Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (10:35): Being Premier is a privilege because it always allows you to turn your support into action. I have always supported our Jewish community. I am in awe of the contribution that they make to our great state of Victoria and the values that bind us all as Victorians. All they ever ask in return are the basic standards in life in what is the most multicultural place in Australia: the right to be safe, the right to be yourself, the right to pray, the right to hope. These rights belong to everyone. Australian Jews woke on 7 October fearing these rights were under threat. On 14 December those fears were confirmed beyond doubt. We have a long way to go to put things back to the way they were. I promise to help them step by step, and I am starting with safety, because safety is my priority.

The Community Security Group, CSG, have always had the community’s back, and it is important that we have their back too. I visited to tell Justin and the team today that we are giving the CSG the long-term operational funding they sorely need – $6 million for the CSG – because they need to protect their community and protect all of us. They asked for it. I am proud as Premier to deliver it. And it is just the start. Shana tova to our Jewish community. May your year be filled with love, joy, safety and hope. You deserve it.