A Ministerial Consultative Committee (MCC) for the Jewish community has been established to advise the Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello MP on behalf of the NSW Government on the needs, interests and concerns of Jewish Australians in NSW.
The MCC includes leaders from key Jewish Australian representative bodies, cultural and religious groups, and businesses. The MCC will be chaired on behalf of the Minister by Jonathan O’Dea MP, Member for Davidson and Gabrielle Upton MP, Member for Vaucluse.
Mr O'Dea said, "I am honoured to jointly chair the new advisory body, particularly as many in the Jewish community have chosen to live within my electorate of Davidson."
Minister Dominello said, “It is vital to have a strong and structured dialogue between the NSW Government and the Jewish Australian community in NSW, and I am very pleased that the MCC for the Jewish community will further enable that dialogue.
“The advice of the MCC will be sought in developing policy relevant to the Citizenship and Communities portfolio, suggesting opportunities for leveraging cultural diversity for broader community benefit, and identifying areas for improvement in the delivery and communication of services to the Jewish Australian community in NSW.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government aims for a relationship with the local Jewish Australian community that is based on substance. The creation of MCCs shows we approach our multicultural communities seriously and with respect,” Minister Dominello said.
Ms Upton said: “In March this year, many NSW citizens with Jewish heritage voted for Liberal or Nationals candidates because we offered them our pledge to restore quality in service delivery and infrastructure provision, regardless of where you live or what your cultural heritage is. I wish to particularly acknowledge the role of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies in the formation of the Jewish MCC,” Ms Upton said.
Mr O’Dea said: “The Jewish MCC is a critical component of having a serious, respectful and meaningful relationship with our local Jewish community. As joint chair, I look forward to its views and ideas, including on how to best recognise the contributions of Jewish Australians to our diverse and vibrant society.”
The initial group of Ministerial Consultative Committees will be officially launched on Friday, 25 November 2011 at NSW Parliament House.
