In December 1982 the title of the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs was changed to Minister for Ethnic Affairs. The change of title of the Minister anticipated the transfer of the immigration function to the Commonwealth Government (VRG 87) which took effect from January 1983.

From January 1991 until August 1992 the Ethnic Affairs portfolio was amalgamated with several other portfolios to form the Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs portfolio. The various functions which were amalgamated remained relatively separate during the brief existence of the Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs portfolio.

In August 1992 a Minister for Ethnic Affairs was recommissioned.

In April 1996 a Minister for Multicultural Affairs was commissioned to undertake the responsibilities previously vested in the Minister for Ethnic Affairs.

Location of Records

No records relating to the administration of ethnic affairs have as yet been transferred to the Public Record Office from agencies in this Group. For records relating to the immigration function see the List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.10.2.

Ministers

Minister for Ethnic Affairs 1982-1991, 1992-1996
Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs 1991-1992
Minister for Multicultural Affairs 1996-ct