Jury Panel

Deputy Speaker of the Queensland Parliament | Member for Scenic Rim

Jon Krause MP is the Member for Scenic Rim in the Queensland Parliament and currently serves as Deputy Speaker. First elected in 2012, he brings extensive legal, commercial, and international experience to his parliamentary work, having practised as a solicitor in Australia, the UK, and internationally. With a strong interest in trade, agriculture, and regional development, Jon has contributed across key portfolios including legal affairs, community services, and tourism. Since 2025, he has also served as Co-Chair of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Latin America, supporting stronger connections between Queensland and Latin American communities.

Member of the Queensland Parliament | Member for Greenslopes

Joe Kelly MP is the Queensland State Member for Greenslopes, with a strong background in community advocacy, public service, and inclusive policy development. He is committed to representing diverse communities across Brisbane and to supporting initiatives that promote social cohesion, equity, and civic participation.

Ambassador of Uruguay to Australia | Dean of the Latin American Ambassadors in Australia

Dianela Pi is the Ambassador of Uruguay to Australia, with concurrent accreditation to New Zealand, Fiji and Timor-Leste. She is a career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral affairs, human rights, and international cooperation. With postings at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, she has led and coordinated regional and international initiatives across social, humanitarian, and political domains. In her role as Dean of the Latin American Ambassadors in Australia, she actively promotes regional dialogue and collaboration, bringing a valuable diplomatic and international perspective to the Jury Panel.

Honorary Consul of El Salvador | Legal Practice Director & Community Leader

Eduardo Cruz is the Honorary Consul of the Republic of El Salvador in Australia and Legal Practice Director at Flexi Legal. He is an experienced legal professional with a strong commitment to access to justice, multicultural engagement, and community leadership. Through his legal and diplomatic roles, Eduardo supports culturally and linguistically diverse communities and contributes to strengthening institutional integrity, social cohesion, and international community relations in Australia.

Manager, Community Engagement | Multicultural Affairs Queensland

Dr Paul Schmidt is Manager, Community Engagement at Multicultural Affairs Queensland within the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism. He leads engagement with multicultural communities to strengthen inclusion, participation, and belonging across Queensland. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning the community sector, academia, and government, Paul brings deep expertise in diversity, community resilience, and public governance.

Chief Executive Officer & Multicultural Policy Leader | Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland

Lisa Ward is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), Queensland’s peak body representing multicultural communities. She leads ECCQ’s strategic advocacy work alongside the delivery of aged care and community services, with a strong focus on governance, system stewardship, and equity. Lisa is a recognised leader in multicultural policy, aged care reform, and community-led approaches to social cohesion, bringing a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and systemic change.

Program Manager – Workforce Evolve | Business Chamber Queensland

Louise brings extensive experience across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors, with a strong commitment to enabling ethical and authentic organisational change that delivers positive social impact. She is a highly skilled communicator with deep expertise in engaging diverse stakeholder groups, supported by strong leadership and community engagement capabilities. As Program Manager for Workforce Evolve at Business Chamber Queensland, Louise works collaboratively with businesses and partners across Queensland to deliver practical, business-focused and sustainable workforce solutions.