Extremism
Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:37): (88) My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Police in the other place. On Saturday I attended the counter-protest outside Parliament to oppose a far-right anti-trans speaker. Upon arriving, my queer comrades and I were immediately surrounded by police, confined to a small area some distance from the speaker. Independent legal observers present on the day from Melbourne Activist Legal Support have expressed concern that neo-Nazis and anti-trans groups were effectively granted free rein to congregate and peddle their hate because police resources and cordons were almost exclusively directed at trans rights protest groups. Minister, what actions will you take to make sure that the policing of far-right extremist groups prevents further harm towards our trans and gender-diverse community without simply expanding police powers?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:38): I thank Mr Puglielli for that important question. It is a matter that is obviously of great public interest. Many of my colleagues have already expressed the government’s view on this matter, so I will not repeat that. In line with the practices of this place, I will forward that on to the Minister for Police in the other place and get a written response in line with the standing orders.
Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:38): I thank the minister for referring the question on. These legal observers present on the day have also asserted that there were a number of incidents of violence and unreasonable use of force directed at trans and gender-diverse people and that:
… Victoria Police failed to consider or uphold any of its numerous obligations to prevent discriminatory or prejudice-motivated acts towards trans and gender-diverse people in its policing of the rallies on Saturday afternoon.
Minister, what follow-up actions will you take to investigate the operational decisions of Victoria Police from that day?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:39): Thank you, Mr Puglielli, for that supplementary question. I will forward that supplementary question on to the Minister for Police in the other place, and she will take it on notice and provide a written response in due course. They are quite serious allegations put forward by you, and I am sure the Minister for Police would be interested in responding appropriately.