Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Racial discrimination

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (13:31): (559) My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Minister, Labor appointed Tasneem Chopra to the Fire Rescue Victoria strategic advisory committee in 2020. Earlier this month the Australian Human Rights Commission asked Ms Chopra to ‘step back’ from duties as an anti-racism ambassador while it investigates a racial discrimination complaint against her. So I ask: will the minister request that Ms Chopra step back from the FRV committee until this investigation is complete?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:31): Ms Crozier, I can confirm that an investigation is underway in regard to a complaint about some social media activity of a board member who is currently on both the Victorian Public Sector Commission and Fire Rescue Victoria. As this investigation is currently underway, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment further in relation to that matter.

Georgie Crozier interjected.

Jaclyn SYMES: It is under investigation, and I am not going to make any comment in relation to the specifics of the allegations in relation to that individual. But I do want to say it is the commitment of this government, our values, that we do not tolerate violence or hateful behaviour in our state. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and much of our legislation is designed to respond to issues such as anti-vilification, family violence, supporting women and promoting respectful relationships in schools. We want to strive for a safer and more tolerant Victoria, and we will continue in those endeavours.

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (13:32): I understand that the minister did not go anywhere near to what that really simple question was – just sidestepping it. When asked about social media posts, Minister, made by Ms Chopra which cast doubt on sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists against women on 7 October, a spokesman for Fire Rescue Victoria said that Ms Chopra was a ‘valued member’ of FRV. Is this the government’s official position also?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (13:33): I refer Ms Crozier to the answer to her substantive question, and I will not be making further comment in relation to a matter that is currently under independent investigation.