Thursday, 21 March 2024

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:52): (774) My constituency question is for the Attorney-General and concerns the recent toppling of the Queen Victoria statue in Geelong. Minister, on multiple occasions now we have seen monuments and statues of historical importance attacked, defaced and toppled by extremist fringe groups. These groups spread hate, damage public property and often lack the willingness to enter into a respectful debate with those who hold an opposing view. The current arrangements are clearly failing, and perpetrators have no respect for the law. Residents in Geelong are sick of immature, disrespectful, selfish protesters. As Attorney-General are you satisfied that existing legislation and penalties are sufficient deterrents, and if not, what action will you take to strengthen the justice system to ensure that those who commit these crimes are held to account?