Today is one of my proudest days in politics following more than four years of advocacy to ban the public display of the Nazi swastika in Victoria.
This law will send a clear message that our great state will not tolerate the display of the most abhorrent, offensive and anti-Semitic symbol of all time, and will go a long way to curb the hate that such individuals wish to incite.
I am pleased that the Andrews Government has followed the Victorian Liberal Party's pledge in February 2020 to adopt this as law in Victoria, but call on it to act now.
As we see the rise of anti-Semitism and the use of evil symbols to incite hate, we can't wait another year for the law to come into effect.
We have had two years of consultation and education and every day we wait is another day that vulnerable people are exposed to targeted attacks.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy for his tireless work standing up against antisemitism and Member for Brighton, James Newbury for his work on the committee that helped to see this legislation drafted.
I would also like to thank the members of my electorate, Leaders of the Jewish community and all Victorians who signed the petition in support of the ban.
Standing up against hate, intolerance, anti-Semitism and racism is commendable, and your support has helped change Victoria for the better.
