Key Takeaways
- The Victorian government has unveiled a five-point plan to combat antisemitism in the state, including strengthening hate speech laws and increasing police powers.
- The plan aims to hold online social media platforms liable for hate speech, give police the ability to stop or move on protests, and appoint a new commissioner to implement an anti-extremism strategy.
- The government will also review Victoria’s gun laws and work towards a long-term goal of returning to "normality" for the Jewish community.
- The opposition has urged the government to recall parliament and implement a protest permit system, as well as ban speech that amounts to incitement and implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Introduction to the Plan
The Victorian government has announced a comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism in the state, following the recent Bondi Beach terror attack. The plan, which includes five key points, aims to strengthen hate speech laws, increase police powers, and promote a whole-of-community effort to tackle antisemitism. Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized that addressing antisemitism requires a collective effort, stating that "this is not a Jewish problem to fix. This is everyone’s problem." The plan’s key points include strengthening hate speech and anti-vilification laws, giving police new powers to target protests, reviewing Victoria’s gun laws, appointing a new commissioner to implement an anti-extremism strategy, and working towards a long-term goal of returning to "normality" for the Jewish community.
Strengthening Hate Speech Laws
The Victorian government’s plan includes proposals to strengthen hate speech laws, making online platforms liable for hateful material and compelling them to hand over users’ identities. The laws will also remove the requirement for the Director of Public Prosecutions to consent to police prosecutions for criminal vilification. Additionally, police will be granted special powers to stop or move on public protests within a certain timeframe following a designated terrorist event. These measures aim to crack down on anonymous hate speech and protests, and to hold online platforms accountable for the content they host. For instance, the government will work with legal experts to determine how to implement these measures in practice, ensuring that they are effective in preventing hate speech and promoting a safe and respectful online environment.
Police Powers and Gun Laws
The plan also includes measures to increase police powers and review Victoria’s gun laws. Police will be given the ability to stop or move on protests, and a new commissioner will be appointed to implement a strategy countering violent extremism. The government will also review Victoria’s gun laws, including a limit on open-ended firearms licensing. Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay will examine the state’s current gun laws and consult with authorities to identify areas for improvement. These measures aim to prevent the spread of hate and extremism, and to ensure that the community is protected from violence and terrorism. For example, the government will work with law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt extremist networks, and to provide support to individuals who are vulnerable to radicalization.
Opposition’s Response
The opposition has urged the government to recall parliament and implement a protest permit system, as well as ban speech that amounts to incitement and implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Opposition leader Jess Wilson stated that antisemitism in Victoria needs a greater response than the premier has so far offered, and that the government’s plan does not go far enough. The opposition’s plan includes three key points: tackling hate and antisemitism by banning speech that amounts to incitement, temporarily funding security at Jewish schools and synagogues, and giving police greater power over protests with a permit system. However, the government has rejected the proposal for a protest permit system, with Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stating that he still rejects the idea, but supports a clampdown on protests in the direct aftermath of terror attacks.
Community Impact
The rise in antisemitism in Australia has had a significant impact on the Jewish community, with many individuals and families feeling vulnerable and anxious. Gaby Silver, a Jewish man from Australia, has seen his family’s life change dramatically since the Bondi attack, with increased security measures and a heightened sense of fear. The government’s plan aims to address these concerns and promote a sense of safety and security for the Jewish community. The plan includes measures to increase security at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as to provide support to individuals and families who have been affected by antisemitism. For instance, the government will work with community organizations to provide counseling and support services to those who have been impacted by hate crimes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Victorian government’s plan to combat antisemitism is a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that aims to address the root causes of hate and extremism. The plan’s key points, including strengthening hate speech laws, increasing police powers, and promoting a whole-of-community effort, are critical steps towards creating a safer and more inclusive society. While the opposition has urged the government to go further, the plan is an important step towards addressing the growing problem of antisemitism in Victoria. The government’s commitment to working with the community, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to implement the plan is crucial to its success. Ultimately, the plan’s success will depend on the government’s ability to balance the need to protect the community with the need to respect individual rights and freedoms. By working together, we can create a society that is safe, inclusive, and respectful of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
