My adjournment is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and I ask the minister to provide an update on what the Allan Labor government is doing to combat racism and promote social cohesion in these tumultuous times. Victorians cherish our democracy as the foundation of a strong multicultural and multifaith community, yet as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East unfolds, we have seen unacceptable displays of hate threaten this foundation. To be agonised by what is occurring overseas is natural, but we can and must hold empathy in our hearts for both peace-loving Palestinian and Jewish communities overseas and here in Victoria. The horror that the terrorist organisation Hamas inflicted on Israeli civilians and their continued holding of hostages, including babies and toddlers, is reprehensible. It has erupted a conflict that has brought with it incredible suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis and a humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing loss of Palestinian children’s lives in particular is incomprehensible. They are not Hamas; they are innocent, and innocents must be protected irrespective of Hamas’s sinister plans to use Palestinian suffering to stoke antisemitism and garner support for an end to Israel, a disturbing logic.
The overseas conflict is utterly heartbreaking, and many of us feel helpless as the dynamics of global politics push and pull, where acts of terror and acts of war hold people’s lives in the balance. As Victorians, we know just how lucky we are to live in freedom and safety. Many of us or our families come from places of conflict, some fleeing brutal regimes and terrorism to find a democratic haven here. Together we can stand up for human rights, for just and lasting peace. We can support an end to civilian deaths. We can support humanitarian efforts, seek a return of hostages and a ceasefire. We can show compassion to people who are right now grappling with unimaginable grief. None of that is achieved through intimidation or making segments of our society fearful.
To fuel such hatred for political gain is utterly deplorable. In our multicultural state there is no room for hatred, violence and extremism. To think that any community, be it Middle Eastern, Asian, European, African, Jewish or any other, could with targeted with hateful vilification is not okay. Recent incidents have left some members of our Jewish community reliving memories of the Holocaust. There have been threats against mosques and synagogues. All are unacceptable. I wish with all my heart for lasting and just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. Both communities need this. The innocent civilians suffering right now need this. The families and friends here in Victoria need this. We must not allow our anguish to turn Victorians against one another. Our diversity, our democracy, is precious. We must honour and cherish that. We must honour and cherish each other. I look forward to the minister’s response.
