The Allan Labor Government has failed to act as antisemitic violence escalates across Victoria - with Jewish Victorians increasingly fearful for their safety.
Over the weekend, Victoria saw yet another alarming escalation of antisemitic attacks - including a violent protest at a Jewish-owned restaurant in Melbourne's CBD and an arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue.
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, said Labor's inaction had allowed these pockets of hate to fester and grow unchecked.
"Premier Allan promised in December to crack down on hate, protect places of worship, and deliver real outcomes - but seven months later, she's delivered nothing but another taskforce," Mr Battin said.
"For seven months, Premier Allan has stood by while Victoria's Jewish community has been vilified and victimised. Instead of leadership, we've seen empty promises, taskforces, and photo ops - but no meaningful action."
"The Liberals and Nationals have long called for the reintroduction of strong move-on laws - to give police clear authority to break up dangerous, disruptive and intimidating protests before they escalate. Labor scrapped these laws and Victorians are paying the price."
Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick, said the Allan Government's repeated failure to take decisive action has emboldened extremists and left the Jewish community feeling abandoned.
"We don't need more talkfests, more working groups, or more excuses we need action," Mr Southwick said.
"The Government's Local Escalation and Help group has achieved nothing. Now, faced with more attacks, they've scrambled to announce yet another initiative - proving they have no real plan to protect Victorians."
"Under this Labor Government, Victoria Police are under-resourced, undermined, and unable to respond. What we need is a government that takes community safety seriously, not one that turns a blind eye."
"Victorians expect a government that treats everyone equally before the law - not one that looks the other way when Jewish Victorians are targeted, while cracking down hard on others."
The Liberals and Nationals are calling on the Allan Labor Government to stop hiding behind new taskforces and to provide police with the powers and resources to do their jobs.
"The time for platitudes is over. Every Victorian deserves to feel safe. This Government must act now to deliver real protection - not more excuses," Mr Battin said.
