Wednesday, 17 May 2023

 Samantha RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 349 signatures:

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the actions taken by Victorian Police against citizens protesting the public address by author Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull. We acknowledge the Premier, the Hon. Daniel Andrews’ condemnation of the Nazi salute by the neo-Nazi group at Keen-Minshull’s address. However, the actions of Victoria Police which allowed the neo-Nazi protesters to mount Parliament stairs, display the Nazi salute, and generate clear images for their online supporters has not been addressed. There is video and photographic evidence indicating that Victoria Police provided a cordon surrounding the neo-Nazi group, and used pepper spray, mounted officers and physical force to move and disperse a larger group of LGBTIQA+ people and allies who had gathered to protest Ms Keen-Minshull’s address. The actions of Victoria Police were not representative of an impartial or fair state. Instead of keeping the peace, their actions have caused a great deal of distress, trauma and concern for the protesters, LGBTIQA+ Victorians, and their families, friends and allies. We feel deeply betrayed by Victoria Police, who proclaims their allyship and support as seen during events such as the Midsumma Pride March and Carnival.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to conduct an independent review of Victoria Police’s strategies in countering online propaganda for extreme right-wing groups, conduct an independent inquiry into the actions of Victoria Police on 18 March 2023 at the public address by Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, and issue a public apology to the LGBTIQA+ community, their allies and other supporters of the protest against Keen-Minshull’s address.

Samantha RATNAM: I move:

That the petition be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.