Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Preston electorate

Nathan LAMBERT (Preston) (14:51): (593) My question is for the Minister for Police, and my question is: what are the available avenues for community members in Preston and Reservoir to seek the removal of graffiti, stickers or posters that are racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or in any other way discriminatory or inciting of violence? As we know, graffiti has a long history as an art form and an activist tool, but it also has a darker history as a way of intimidating people and making them feel unsafe. We have seen racist examples in recent years targeting the Indian community, the Chinese community during COVID and more recently the Jewish community through phrases like ‘Kill all the Zionists’, which relate to the conflict in West Bank and Gaza but do not reflect the views of those advocating for peace. I recognise the good work of Darebin council and other councils in promptly removing this sort of graffiti. I look forward to the minister’s response with respect to graffiti on private properties in particular.