Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence) (19:36): There were 15 adjournment matters to 12 separate ministers, and written responses will be sought in accordance with the standing orders.

Mr Galea asked me for an update on the government’s support for the Melbourne Holocaust Museum’s the Space Between: Where Understanding Begins program. I do want to thank Mr Galea for asking me about this important project, particularly during Passover, which I know is such a significant time for the Jewish community. The Allan Labor government was very proud to support this incredible program; it is being delivered through our government’s $3 million commitment to combating antisemitism. Supporting our community’s inclusion and social cohesion, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum created the Space Between to help workplaces navigate complexity with care, courage and responsibility. They do very impressive work at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and I would urge members to have a look at this particular project. I am sure that you will be very moved by it, as I was and I know Mr Galea was. It carefully curates an immersive workplace program that places humanity at the heart of connection. We know that there has never been a more important time to see and connect with other people in the community.

The government stands with the Jewish community, and we have pledged to do more to combat this insidious hate, antisemitism, and to protect our vibrant Jewish community. That is why the Allan Labor government invests in programs like the Melbourne Holocaust Museum’s the Space Between. While this has become increasingly challenging, we need to find new ways, through programs like this, to respectfully and meaningfully communicate with one another. It is projects like this that build that path to building understanding and empathy across the community. I do congratulate the Melbourne Holocaust Museum on the launch of the Space Between: Where Understanding Begins and extend my sincere thanks to all of those involved in bringing it together. We are very proud to support this incredible program, and we look forward to its implementation and hopefully learning much from its very careful and innovative design.

The PRESIDENT: The house stands adjourned.

House adjourned 7:39 pm.