Thursday, 28 August 2025

Ministers statements: community safety

Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Attorney-General, Minister for Planning) (14:20): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s anti-vilification laws. These are landmark laws, nation-leading, to protect all Victorians from hate – whoever you are, whoever you love and whoever you pray to. It sends a clear and powerful message: in our state, there is no room for hate, and every Victorian deserves to feel safe and to belong. These laws were shaped by listening – listening to multicultural communities, to faith leaders, to people who have carried the scars of vilification. Their voices guided us, their hopes inspired us and their concerns sharpened our resolve, and today and every day we stand with them hand in hand.

But let us be clear: while Labor stands with our diverse communities, others do not. Others choose not to stand up against hate. They had the chance to do so. Instead they seek to sow division and fan the flames of hate, inventing excuses on why they will not support these laws. This weekend the multicultural gala will bring communities together in a celebration of our diversity and strength. Many members of this house will be there. But I say this: it is not enough to turn up for the photo. You have to show up when it counts and call it out for what it is. Tomorrow is Wear It Purple Day, a day when we stand with our LGBTIQ+ people and affirm their right to be proud, safe and supported, and our new laws are part of this commitment.

The Allan Labor government has a vision for our state, one where every Victorian is welcomed, safe and supported, where difference is celebrated, where communities are safe and where unity triumphs over hate and division. This is the Victoria we believe in.

Emma Kealy interjected.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On a point of order, Speaker, the member for Lowan just used unparliamentary language to insult me, and I found it deeply offensive. I ask that you ask her to withdraw her comments that were made to me across the table.

The SPEAKER: Member for Lowan, did you make an unparliamentary comment across the table? I will review the footage.