A ‘deeply committed’ leader
Jewish community leaders have paid tribute to Joseph La Posta, who is leaving Multicultural NSW after almost a decade of service.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Michele Goldman has paid tribute to outgoing Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta, praising his leadership during one of the state’s most testing periods.
“Working alongside Joseph as the Co-Coordinator Generals after the Bondi attack, I saw firsthand his calm judgement, empathy and principled leadership,” Goldman said.
“He managed complex priorities with remarkable composure, kept people at the centre of every decision, and brought stakeholders together to support victims and survivors.
“Joseph is an exceptional leader who is deeply committed to the communities he serves. It was a privilege to work alongside him at such a critical time.”
La Posta served as Co-Coordinator General on the Bondi terror attack community response alongside Goldman, a role established by the NSW Government following the Bondi Beach terror attack at Chanukah by the Sea on December 14. Both reported directly to the Premier and jointly oversaw delivery of programs supporting victims’ families, survivors, and the eastern suburbs and Jewish communities, working across government, non-government organisations, charities and the private sector.
At the time, La Posta said he was “honoured” to be taking on the role alongside Goldman.
La Posta is leaving Multicultural NSW after almost a decade of service, including seven and a half years as CEO and two years on the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board. He will take up a new senior role in the NSW public service.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said La Posta’s “dedication and compassion have had a profound and lasting impact on communities across NSW,” adding that he leaves Multicultural NSW “stronger, more connected and well positioned for the future.”
Under La Posta’s leadership, Multicultural NSW expanded its support for community programs, and the agency’s Language Services Division grew from a small team into a statewide service. He also led the agency’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring health and business support information reached multilingual communities across NSW.
“Joseph has built strong relationships across government and the community sector, championing inclusion, social cohesion and stronger outcomes for culturally diverse communities across the state,” Kamper said.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip also acknowledged La Posta’s contribution.
“Joseph La Posta has made an exceptional contribution to the people and communities of NSW over many years. He is widely respected by faith and cultural leaders from across the state,” Ossip said.
“We are sincerely grateful for his outstanding service and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his distinguished career.”
In his own statement, La Posta said it had been “an absolute privilege” to serve NSW communities.
“The work of Multicultural NSW is ultimately about people, belonging and opportunity, and I leave incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together,” he said.
La Posta will conclude with Multicultural NSW next Friday. In the interim, James Jegasothy will assume responsibility as the acting CEO of Multicultural NSW.