Key Takeaways:
- The Victorian government has announced a five-point plan to combat antisemitism, including new police powers to stop protests after terrorist attacks and a review of gun laws.
- The plan also includes a commitment to hold social media companies accountable for anonymous users and the appointment of a commissioner to implement the state’s extremism prevention strategy.
- The opposition has criticized the plan, saying it does not go far enough to address the issue of antisemitism and has called for more urgent action.
- The plan comes after a recent terrorist attack in Bondi and a rise in antisemitic incidents in Victoria.
- The government’s plan has been welcomed by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and Zionism Victoria, but the opposition has released its own plan to combat antisemitism.
Introduction to the Plan
The Victorian government has announced a comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism, following a recent terrorist attack in Bondi and a rise in antisemitic incidents in the state. The plan, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan, includes five key points: new police powers to stop protests after terrorist attacks, a review of gun laws, a commitment to hold social media companies accountable for anonymous users, the appointment of a commissioner to implement the state’s extremism prevention strategy, and a long-term goal of returning to a sense of normality for members of Victoria’s Jewish community.
New Police Powers
Under the plan, police will be given new special powers to stop or move on a protest if it falls within a certain time after a designated terrorist event. This move is aimed at preventing the spread of hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric, and is similar to laws introduced in New South Wales. However, the Victorian legislation will differ from the NSW model, as Victoria does not require protesters to gain police authorization through a permit system. The Victorian solicitor-general is set to complete advice on these laws in January, and Allan has resisted calls to recall parliament before it resumes in February to push through the new laws.
Review of Gun Laws
The premier has also committed to a review of Victoria’s gun laws, to be undertaken by former police commissioner Ken Lay. This review will ensure that the state’s gun laws meet modern challenges and are effective in preventing the spread of violence. The review is a key part of the government’s plan to combat antisemitism, and will help to prevent the misuse of firearms.
Community Engagement
The government’s plan also includes a commitment to community engagement and education, with the aim of preventing extremism at a community level. The premier has released the government’s strategy for preventing and countering violent extremism, and has pledged to appoint a commissioner to implement its findings. This strategy will focus on working with community groups and organizations to prevent the spread of hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric.
Opposition Response
The opposition has criticized the government’s plan, saying it does not go far enough to address the issue of antisemitism. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has released her own plan to combat antisemitism, which includes a ban on protests after terrorist attacks and a protest permit system. Wilson has also called for stricter disciplinary protocols for students and staff who engage in conduct that incites hatred, and has proposed withdrawing government funding from organizations that engage in vilification.
Community Reaction
The government’s plan has been welcomed by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and Zionism Victoria, who have called for the proposed laws to be introduced without delay. However, not all community groups have been supportive of the plan, with some criticizing the government’s approach to addressing antisemitism. On Monday evening, a group of around 100 people met on the steps of the state parliament for an Anti-Zionism Australia event, where they criticized the government’s plan and argued that it did not go far enough to address the root causes of antisemitism.
Increased Security
The government’s plan comes as Victoria Police announced heavily armed specialist police would patrol this year’s Boxing Day Test at the MCG in Melbourne, as security is ramped up at public events around the country following the Bondi terror attack. Police Commissioner Mike Bush acknowledged that it would be unusual for Melburnians to see the critical incident response squad carrying long arm semiautomatic rifles at the cricket grounds, but stressed that it was an important proactive move in response to the current threat environment.