Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke has today congratulated the 40 People of Australia ambassadors nominated by the Australian public.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, announced the new ambassadors in Melbourne today.

They were joined by football champion and new ambassador Harry O'Brien, who is actively involved in the Australian Football League's own multicultural program.

Dr Szoke said "this program is a great initiative that demonstrates how enthusiastic and strongly Australians feel about multiculturalism. It will also ensure that our culturally diverse communities remain harmonious and cohesive."

"Strong local leadership is imperative in order to encourage people to participate and join in community activities. These ambassadors will be a boost in the effort to progress multiculturalism." said Dr Szoke.

The 40 ambassadors will provide advice to the government and the Australian Multicultural Council about effective ideas that will promote inclusion and heighten diversity in Australian communities.

The ambassador program is a key initiative of the Federal Government's national multicultural policy, The People of Australia, announced last year.

"The new ambassadors range from teachers, doctors, students, youth leaders and business people, who have demonstrated a commitment to their community and have been selected for the influence and impact they are having on Australians in their community."

The National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy, led by Dr Szoke is also one of the key initiatives of The People of Australia policy.

More than 350 applications for the People of Australia Ambassadors Program were considered by the 10 members of the Australian Multicultural Council following a public nomination process.

The 2012 ambassadors' terms begins today and ends on 30 December 2012.

A full list of ambassadors including biographical details is available at www.amc.gov.au/ambassadors/ambassadors-2012.htm