Constituency questions
Caulfield electorate
David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:42): My question is to the Premier. What will the Premier do to make sure Victoria Police have the resources they need to enforce the breaches of anti-hate laws committed against Victoria’s Jewish community? In November last year a mob came hunting Jews in Caulfield and subsequently hurled racial abuse, pelted rocks and bottles and forced synagogues to close down on Friday night prayers. A year on, no-one has been arrested or charged, despite the contact being grossly offensive and including acts of racial and religious vilification. In May antisemitic protesters at a peaceful Jewish anti-hate rally in the CBD hurled racial and physical abuse while a disabled Jewish woman in a wheelchair was surrounded and had an Israeli flag stolen and set on fire. Despite this, there have been no arrests and no action taken. In stark contrast to Victorian Jews, other communities seem to be getting the justice they rightfully deserve. Premier, it is time to act now.