Andrews Government must fix laws to tackle rising hate in Victoria
The Andrews Government must take a stand against rising hate in the Victorian community, say a coalition of Union, civil society, faith-based and human rights groups who will give evidence on Wednesday to a Parliamentary Inquiry considering proposed changes to Victoria’s anti-vilification laws.
The Inquiry was called in response to Fiona Patten’s private member’s Bill proposing amendments to Victoria’s anti-vilification laws. The coalition will argue that Fiona Patten’s Bill does not go far enough and will advocate for strong anti-vilification laws that can stop hate in its tracks. The coalition of organisations will explain that new laws must:
Ban the Nazi swastika and public display of vilifying and offensive material.
Broaden the categories of people protected under the law from race and religious belief to also include LGBTIQ people, people with a disability and women.
Enact stronger civil and criminal laws so that the courts and police can properly hold people to account for hateful conduct.
Ruth Barson, Joint Executive Director, the Human Rights Law Centre:
“Right now, our politicians and police are hamstrung in the face of rising hate in Victoria. Last year, Premier Andrews didn’t have the power to stop a Neo-Nazi concert. This year, Victoria Police didn’t have the power to remove a Nazi Swastika flag flying above a house in regional Victoria. The Andrews Government must stand up against intolerance and introduce strong laws so that we can all be safe and live a life free from hate.”
Luke Hilakari, Secretary, Victorian Trades Hall Council:
“With a rise in hate from the far right we need people to have more rights to stop discrimination and vilification.
“The union movement will continue to bring our collective strength to stand with those who are being targeted with everything from hate speech to violence.
“Government has a role here to continue to show its leadership by amending the anti-vilification laws, to make it easier for people to bring discrimination cases. Victoria needs tougher laws that stop hate in its tracks.”
Abiola Ajetomobi, Director, Asylum Seeker Resources Centre (ASRC):
“We are lucky to have thousands of refugees calling Australia home. People rebuilding their lives, contributing to society and stepping up as leaders in their communities.
“It’s important that our laws are inclusive and protect the rights of all Victorians no matter where we come from. Laws that clearly outline the responsibilities of all of us and that hold those who choose to divide us to account. Laws that put an end to increasingly discriminatory discourse.
“The Victorian Government must act swiftly to change the laws so every Victorian can live safely and equally in our community.”
Renaire Druery, Human Rights Director, GetUp:
“Far right hate and extremism is on the rise on our streets, on social media and in public life, and it’s going unchecked.
“Last year, we saw thousands of people demand the Victorian Government shut down a neo-Nazi concert. People everywhere want stronger and bolder action to tackle the rise of hate.
“People expect decisive action that bans vilfying material like the Nazi Swastika, and laws that not only protect us, but promote a diverse and safe community.
“Right now, Victoria has the chance to put forward historic legislation that stops hate in its tracks and paves the way for the rest of the country.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman, Anti-Defamation Commission:
"This is the moment of truth for the Victorian government, and the Anti-Defamation Commission, which launched the campaign to criminalise the public display of the Nazi swastika more than two years ago, is calling on our elected representatives not to pass the ball, not to give a free pass to homegrown racists who are nourished by inaction, but to take the moral high ground. As we witness an unprecedented surge in antisemitism and hatred in our nation, casting a shadow over our lives, now is the time to act.
“There is no perfect cure to the disease of intolerance, but a good step is to send the unmistakable message that Nazism has no place in Australia. This inquiry is a timely opportunity for the state government to once and for all close the lid on this troubling phenomenon and ban the public showcasing of this emblem of evil and genocide. We can disagree on many issues, but we all have to be unified in fighting the growing threat of bigotry and extremism and ensure that the phrase 'Never Again' is now.”
Read the joint submission: Stopping hate in its tracks
Media contact:
Michelle Bennett, Communications Director, Human Rights Law Centre, 0419 100 519
