Victorian Government Faces Scrutiny Over Allegations of Partisan Tactics at Multicultural Events

The Victorian government is facing scrutiny over allegations of partisan tactics at publicly funded multicultural events. Documents released under Freedom of Information (FOI) indicate that the Premier’s Private Office (PPO) exercised control over guest lists, seating arrangements, and speaking opportunities, reportedly favoring Labor Party representatives.

Allegations of Imbalance at State Events

Government communications reveal a pattern of disproportionate representation at several high-profile events.

Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner ($438,000)

At the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner, a $438,000 event, 190 seats were allocated to Labor MPs, their staff, and guests, while the opposition received one table. The Premier’s Private Office reportedly tripled the ticket allocation for Labor MPs and sought final approval on entertainment, guest lists, and MC choices. Complimentary tickets were offered to key opposition leaders for some events, but not all opposition members.

At the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner, 190 seats were allocated to Labor MPs, their staff, and guests, while the opposition received one table.

Premier's Diwali State Reception ($381,000)

A similar pattern was observed at the Premier's Diwali State Reception. Only one invitation was extended to the opposition, while dozens of Labor MPs attended. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt were the sole speakers, with the then-opposition leader not invited to address the attendees.

Shrove Tuesday Christian Community Event ($11,400)

For the Shrove Tuesday Christian Community Event, 22 Labor MPs were invited, with no opposition representatives included.

Criticism and Responses

The allegations have drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum and from community leaders.

Shadow multicultural affairs minister Evan Mulholland formally criticized the premier, stating that such events should unite communities rather than advance political interests. He described the use of taxpayer funds for politically stacked events as a potential form of "grey corruption," a term previously used by IBAC for misusing public resources for political ends. Greens leader Ellen Sandell also stated that public money should benefit the community, not the government.

"The use of taxpayer funds for politically stacked events is a potential form of 'grey corruption,' a term previously used by IBAC for misusing public resources for political ends."

Some community leaders have also voiced frustration. Karan Gandhok, a board member of the Australian Indian Society of Victoria, noted that courtesy and parliamentary protocol demand representation from both sides of politics. Adam Saad, a Muslim community leader, suggested he was excluded from an Iftar dinner guest list after publicly endorsing a Liberal candidate.

A Labor government spokesman dismissed the opposition’s concerns as "playing politics," stating the government would continue to support Victoria’s multicultural communities. Premier Allan did not directly respond to specific questions regarding the allegations.