Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence) (12:22): It was my very great honour to attend and speak at the Victorian government iftar last week to celebrate Ramadan and the important contribution that our Muslim community makes to Victoria. Ramadan is an important time of reflection, generosity and community, and it was truly heartwarming to be surrounded by nearly 800 community members from right across our state. I have had the pleasure of attending many iftar events this Ramadan and sitting down to hear from many Muslim Victorians about what matters to them, including the deep concern they have for the rising levels of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred. This Sunday was the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day which marks the anniversary of the horrific Christchurch massacre. The Allan Labor government was the first jurisdiction in Australia to formally recognise this day, which is a powerful message that anti-Muslim hate has no place in Victoria. On Sunday we released our guide to combat Islamophobia. These resources have been developed in partnership with Victoria’s Muslim communities and will help equip Victorians with the tools to recognise and call out hate, whether as a victim or a witness to an act of Islamophobia. While no Muslim should have to deal with the types of incidents we have seen recently, equally no Victorian should have to deal with these levels of hatred alone. We will always stand with our Muslim community, and we will always stand against hate and racism, not just with words but with action.