Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Community safety

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (14:39): I want to draw the chamber’s attention today to what appears to be a really concerning development in our policing. I have the highest regard for Victoria Police and the men and women who serve in uniform, but we have seen a terrible rise in anti-Semitism. We have seen a series of shocking incidents occur in early December – the shocking incident that occurred down at the Adass centre in Ripponlea. I know many in this chamber have visited to see the terrible results there and what I think is frightening for many in the Victorian Jewish community, many of whom of course are clustered in Southern Metropolitan region.

Menachem Vorchheimer on social media draws attention to the Summary Offences Act 1966, section 21, subsection 1, and draws attention to those who interrupted prayers and the activities at a synagogue in November 2023. These matters have been going on for a concerning period of time. What I am saying here is: it does not appear the government is getting to grips with it. Particularly on the Adass matter, I do not understand why there have been no positive developments. I am just very worried and genuinely concerned. If the police need more resources, they should get them. But why has this not occurred?