Former Tasmanian Liberal Premier Peter Gutwein Appointed Chair of Australian Multicultural Council

The Albanese government appointed former Tasmanian Liberal premier Peter Gutwein as chair of the Australian Multicultural Council on Monday. The independent body advises the government on multicultural affairs and social cohesion. Gutwein, born in England to a British mother and an Austrian-Yugoslav father, migrated to Tasmania as a child in 1969.

He served as premier from 2020 to 2022 and led a 330-kilometre walk in 2024 to highlight contributions by the state’s migrant and refugee communities. ” He said it was disappointing that Opposition Leader Angus Taylor did not immediately condemn the remarks when first asked about them. Gutwein also rejected former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott’s claim that multiculturalism has failed.

He said the leaning toward the right in the national narrative was very unhelpful for the country and for communities, and that voices on the right had green-lit opportunities for those seeking to incite hatred or vilification. Gutwein pushed back against linking immigration to housing affordability problems.

He noted that Tasmania experienced negative net migration, increased housing supply and reduced migration during the pandemic, yet house prices still rose.

Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Julian Hill said Gutwein brings strong leadership and a demonstrated commitment to speaking out against racism. Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly said the council’s work helps ensure people of all backgrounds feel valued, connected and able to contribute to Australia’s future.