Members statements
Nazi symbol prohibition
Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (12:35): As a proud member of the Jewish community representing one of the largest Jewish communities in Australia, it is a very proud moment, probably the proudest moment in my political career, to see finally a ban of the Nazi swastika here in Victoria. It is something that certainly we advocated for, the Victorian Liberals, over two years ago in calling for that ban, and I am pleased to say that the government has been working with us to make this happen. This will send an ultimate message that there is no place for this evil symbol here in this state. We are seeing growing antisemitism. We are seeing the Nazi symbol being used to deface posters for the upcoming election. We are seeing it on community centres. We are seeing it used in far too many places.
The only criticism that I would have in terms of the legislation that we are hearing about is that the time to act is now. We have had education, we have had the opportunity to discuss it and we have had consultation. Every day we wait is another day lost to ensure that this symbol is banned and those community representatives that are targeted are protected. Those Holocaust survivors cannot deal with another day lost where the Nazi symbol is used to attack them. Let us join together and ensure this ban comes into place as soon as possible.