Ministers statements: equality
Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:07): I wish to thank all of our vibrant multicultural communities for their contribution to our state, not only for maintaining and celebrating their own cultures but for sharing their traditions with all of us. As the Premier says, we do not just tolerate diversity in Victoria, we celebrate and embrace it. We support that diversity not just with words, but with tangible support. On top of existing programs and support the Andrews government is delivering $70 million in election commitments to our diverse multicultural communities, including community infrastructure, festivals and anti-vilification campaigns. That is why it was so disgusting to see out the front of this place on Saturday Nazis spreading their hate. We know that Nazis and extremists target minorities and vulnerable groups. They seek to divide by spreading their fear and hate and they rely on good people doing nothing. They rely on good people not speaking up on behalf of the vulnerable. We saw that as darkness fell over Nazi Germany in the 1930s. To borrow a few lines from Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.
Well, on Saturday 18 March 2023 right here in Melbourne they came for the trans community, and the Andrews Labor government stands with the trans community. Every member of this place will be judged on whether they stood up for our trans community or are happy for them to be targeted. I say to the trans community: we will not let them come for you. We will speak up for you and for every other part of our diverse community. And the Leader of the Opposition should do the same thing.