Victorian Premier Meets with Faith and Community Leaders to Discuss Anti-Vilification Laws

Melbourne – Victorian Premier Hon Jacinta Allan MP met with a diverse group of faith and community leaders on Friday to discuss the upcoming introduction of strengthened anti-vilification laws in Parliament.

The meeting at the Premier's office included representatives from multicultural communities and business leaders included Bill Papastergiadis (Greek Community of Melbourne), Jasbir Singh Suropada (Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria), Sheikh Muhammad Nawass (Board of Imams), Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann (Ark Centre), Makarand Bhagwat (Hindu Council of Australia), Hass Dellal (Australian Multicultural Foundation), Bihong Wang (Asian Business Association of Whitehorse), and Pritam Singh Gill and Ravi Inder Singh (Gurduara Council of Victoria)

The Premier emphasized, "We need to strengthen the laws to protect social cohesion in our state" The Premier stated that "there was no place for hate speech in our country and that the Government wanted to stamp divisive language that was directed at racial and religious vilification of others."

The meeting included a robust discussion of the proposed bills. Bill Papastergiadis added, "There is no such thing as an absolute right to freedom of speech, and those who sought to use this expression to justify hateful language simply misunderstood the law. At present, a number of laws impinge on freedom of speech, including laws relating to privacy, minors and the law of defamation. Hence, our rights are regulated to ensure we have a functioning and respectful society." The discussion emphasized balancing rights with creating a respectful and functional society.

Following the meeting, the Premier and community leaders proceeded to Melbourne Town Hall, where the newly elected Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece greeted them. The Premier and Lord Mayor addressed the importance of public safety during the upcoming Christmas festivities. Further details on the specific provisions within the anti-vilification legislation are expected to be released next week.

Jacinta Allan is an Australian politician who is currently the Premier of Victoria. She assumed the role in June 2023 following the resignation of Daniel Andrews. She represents the Electoral district of Bendigo East in the Victorian Legislative Assembly and is a member of the Australian Labor Party. Before becoming Premier, she held various ministerial portfolios, including Transport Infrastructure, Suburban Rail Loop, and Major Projects.