Southern Metropolitan Region
John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:50): (47) My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in the other place, Minister Brooks. My constituency is home to the largest Jewish population in Australia. I recently attended a Parliamentary Friends of Israel meeting, where I heard that Australia has seen a rise in antisemitism over the last four years. In response Victoria has taken great steps towards combating antisemitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA, working definition of ‘antisemitism’, which creates a framework to interpret and manage antisemitism. These are important steps which lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and safer Victoria, but without the proper education and implementation we risk a continued rise in antisemitism. Antisemitism is a scourge that must be stopped. When it is found, it must be stamped out. Hatred does not stagnate, it spreads. So my question to the minister is: how are Victoria’s strong policies on combating antisemitism and hatred creating a safer, more inclusive Victoria and ensuring our Jewish community is protected?