«Back to previous

Coalition Govt to investigate white supremacist hate-based activities

Thursday, 30 June 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government has moved to establish an investigation into the activities of white supremacists and incidents of racial and religious hatred.

A number of recent incidents which involve "white supremacist" stickers being placed in public spaces, initially in Torquay and Lilydale, as well as anti-refugee slogans and swastikas, has raised concerns within the community.

The Victorian Government has asked the Victorian Multicultural Commission to undertake an investigation into white supremacist activity in Victoria and to ascertain the extent of such incidents of hate-based prejudice over the past ten years.

The investigation will be conducted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission with the assistance of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

A report will be prepared for consideration by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship and the Attorney-General with recommendations on how such incidents should be responded to by relevant government authorities.

"Victoria is the multicultural capital of Australia and our cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets," Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras said.

"Behaviour which incites hatred and violence and targets particular members of the community is offensive and totally unacceptable.

"The Victorian Government condemns all forms of racial and religious vilification and any behaviour or actions that incite racial hatred, and we will not allow such activities and behaviour to undermine Victoria's multicultural harmony," Mr Kotsiras said.

This investigation will report on the current level of activity of white supremacists as well as relevant trends relating to the level or frequency of such incidents over the past ten years.

"It is important that we remain vigilant and guard against extremist views and actions which incite racial hatred and violence and impinge on the rights of law abiding Victorians to live in peace and harmony," Mr Kotsiras said.

Terms of Reference attached

Download PDF 69.14 Kb