MINISTER TAKES MULTICULTURALISM TO A NEW LEVEL

Multiculturalism Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced even greater commitment to multiculturalism in Queensland with the appointment of Dr John Cole to a newly created Assistant Director-General position.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Beattie Government was progressing the multicultural agenda across government with the creation of the new position.

“I am delighted to announce Dr John Cole has accepted this position and brings with him a long public service work history and experience to lead multiculturalism across Queensland,” she said.

“This is the first time such a senior position has been created in Queensland, and it’s a reflection of my, and the government’s, belief that multiculturalism is a cornerstone of our future prosperity and success.

Ms Nelson-Carr said Dr Cole would work closely with other Queensland Government agencies to deliver on policy commitments that ensure services are accessible and culturally appropriate in our diverse society.

“I am very determined to keep Queensland at the forefront of multicultural development and this appointment is one step in that direction,” she said.

Dr John Cole has extensive experience in state and federal government and the private sector, most recently as the Executive Director, Sustainable Industries in the Environmental Protection Agency.

He has a Ph D in Australian social history and is an Adjunct Professor at Bond University, the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology.

Dr Cole is involved in local community issues. He is the former chair of the Australian Korean Friendship Group, a member of the Anglican Archbishop’s Commission on Parishes and other Missions and is working in his local centenary suburb community of Jamboree on sustainability issues.

“I am confident that Dr Cole’s breadth of experience, his vision and intellectual capacity and his keen interest in community life make him ideally suited to this new and important role,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002