The Victorian Government has announced a range of new measures aimed at confronting antisemitism, addressing dangerous demonstrations and strengthening social cohesion across the state. Welcoming the measures, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said he looked forward ‘to working constructively with the Government on implementation’.
All Victorians, the Archbishop said, ‘should feel safe to attend places of worship, whatever their religion. There is no place for hateful speech and violence in our society—including the kind that led to the appalling attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue or the kind that sees someone abused in the street for their religious dress.’
The announcement of the new measures, made by Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday 17 December, comes in response to rising antisemitic incidents, including the recent terrorist attack of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea.
Speaking in Melbourne alongside Minister for Police Anthony Carbines and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, Ms Allan emphasised the urgent need to restore safety and harmony. ‘This isn’t about the Middle East,’ she said. ‘This is about Victoria. This is about our values and the right of anyone in this state to live, work and pray freely without fear of intimidation, fear and violence.’
The measures include restricting the display of flags and symbols of listed terrorist organisations such as Hamas, Hezbollah and neo-Nazi groups. While Commonwealth laws prohibit the display of such symbols in specific contexts, the Victorian Government plans to implement broader measures at the state level, giving police more power to stop, search and seize items linked to extremist propaganda.
All Victorians should feel safe to attend places of worship, whatever their religion. There is no place for hateful speech and violence in our society.
The government will also target the use of masks and dangerous attachment devices—like glue, ropes, and chains—at public protests. Police have observed increasing misuse of face coverings to conceal identities and hinder lawful crowd control measures, as well as the misuse of attachment devices, causing significant harm and disruption. Minister for Police Anthony Carbines noted the importance of these changes, saying, ‘These reforms will ensure police have the powers they need to do their job to maintain public order and keep all Victorians safe.’
The safety of religious worshippers was a key focus of the government’s announcement, as recent incidents, including menacing protests outside synagogues and other places of worship, have highlighted the need for stronger protections. Ms Allan underscored the importance of the right to worship in safety, saying it ‘doesn’t matter if you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu—we all deserve the right to simply be who we are.’
Proposed reforms could include the establishment of ‘safe access areas’ around places of worship, ensuring that congregations can gather without fear of intimidation or harassment. The government says it will consult with religious leaders, police and legal experts to determine the appropriate size and scope of these zones.
Everyone can be champions of cohesion and must be equipped to do so.
The Victorian Government has also committed to empowering multicultural and multifaith organisations to promote peace and unity through a new ‘social cohesion pledge’ that will set expectations for community groups applying for government funding, ensuring that their work actively supports harmony and inclusivity.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt emphasised the role of these organisations, saying, ‘Everyone can be champions of cohesion and must be equipped to do so.’
The government also plans to restart multi-faith dialogue across Victoria, fostering long-term healing and connection between diverse communities. ‘Victoria has pioneered multi-faith dialogue, and we have a responsibility to lead this work for all Victorians,’ Ms Stitt said.
In an attempt to foster localised solutions, respond quickly to community concerns and cut through bureaucratic delays, the government will establish the Local Escalation and Help (‘Leah’) group, bringing together government departments, security organisations and community leaders to address emerging issues and ensure swift action.
The announcement also included a commitment to ongoing support for the Adass Israel Synagogue community as they work to rebuild following the recent attack, with the government pledging to minimise hurdles to recovery and to ensure the continuity of religious services.
The new measures build on Victoria’s existing efforts to combat hate, including the banning of Nazi symbols and the introduction of the Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Bill. Ms Allan stressed that tackling antisemitism and promoting social cohesion requires collective effort. ‘Antisemitism thrives in extreme and radical environments,’ she said, arguing that the new measures will make it ‘harder for agents of violence and hate to hide’.
The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.
Mr Carbines stressed the need for ongoing community consultation as the government implements the new measures. ‘Some of these reforms are complex because they involve a balance of fundamental rights,’ he said, ‘but we are committed to consulting with the community and delivering them as soon as possible.’
Responding to the announcement, Archbishop Comensoli also acknowledged the important place of peaceful protest and ‘the right of all Victorians to speak out in peaceful solidarity on issues and questions that confront our society, including those that confront the Church.
‘As the Second Vatican Council declared, the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ,’ he said.
