The Victorian Greens have condemned the new Premier's decision to hand the Police Minister responsibility for Multicultural Affairs, saying communities who have experienced racial profiling and discriminatory policing deserve an independent advocate.
Research from the Centre Against Racial Profiling released last year revealed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were 15 times more likely to be searched by Victoria Police than white people in 2024, despite being less likely to be found with prohibited items. They were also 10 times more likely to have force or the threat of force used against them, and 13 times more likely to have tasers drawn on them.
African, Middle Eastern and Pacific Islander communities were also disproportionately targeted, with African community members eight times more likely to be searched, seven times more likely to be subjected to force, and 24 times more likely to be pursued by police vehicles.
As stated by Victorian Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism, Anasina Gray-Barberio MP:
"You cannot ask someone to champion communities of colour while also asking them to defend Victoria Police. These two hats can't be worn at once. It's a glaring conflict of interest.
"For years, communities of colour have spoken out about racial profiling, discriminatory policing and institutional racism at Victoria Police. When those concerns are raised, whose side is this minister supposed to be on- the communities or the police?
"The Multicultural Affairs portfolio should be about more than celebrating festivals and diversity. It must include responsibility for confronting systemic racism wherever it exists- including within Victoria Police.
"Handing the Police Minister the job of representing the very communities who've been failed by police is a betrayal.
"Racism in this state is rife and escalating fast. Victorians need a government that confronts that head-on-not a minister juggling communities of colour against Victoria Police's image."
