I feel proud and privileged to become the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests.

My father came to Australia from Italy in 1952 and my mother, sister and I arrived two years later. I was three years old and did not speak English until I started school. Starting a new life in Australia wasn’t easy for my family but it wasn’t long before we were immersed in the Australian way of life. At the same time, our family maintained and celebrated our rich culture at every opportunity.

My commitment to multiculturalism led to my appointment as a Commissioner of the former Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission between 1988 and 1991.

My professional career has included two years with the South West Development Commission as the Developmental Planner and Projects Financial Consultant, seven years with the Department of Commerce and Trade as the Senior Regional Trade Officer and eight years as a partner in Bunbury Finance Pty Ltd.

I was elected to the West Australian Parliament in February 2005 as the Member for Bunbury. I entered parliament with extensive community and local government experience having served as a Councillor for six years before being elected Mayor of Bunbury in 1997 and 2001. I have also accepted Honorary Citizenship of Jiaxing, China and Honorary Citizenship of Setagaya, Japan, and I thank my friends in both countries.

I think it’s very important to highlight the positive impact that ethnic communities have made to the social, economic and cultural development of Western Australia. I am also keen to actively address the real issues facing culturally and linguistically diverse communities including racism, barriers to employment and marginalisation in the housing market.

Hon John Castrilli MLA
MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT; HERITAGE;
CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL INTERESTS