Last Friday, Zionism Victoria issued a public statement in response to the Bondi massacre, warning that antisemitic violence knows no borders and calling on the Victorian Government to act decisively to protect Jewish Australians.

Our statement, Hate Has No Borders, set out five clear actions required to meet the escalating threat environment. We were strongly supported by many affiliate organisations, reflecting a unified call for meaningful, enforceable action - not words alone.

On Monday, we met with the Premier to discuss the Government’s proposed response to antisemitism and public safety.

Following that meeting, the Premier released her official statement and plan, which can be read in detail here:

Five Next Steps to Combat Anti-Semitism and Keep People Safe: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/five-next-steps-combat-anti-semitism-and-keep-people-safe

The Premier’s Five Steps to Combat Antisemitism

The Premier announced a combination of immediate and longer-term measures, including:

Stronger hate speech laws. Developing new laws to hold social media companies and anonymous users to account, and fast-tracking the civil provisions of Victoria’s anti-vilification scheme to April 2026.
Maintaining calm on our streets after acts of terror. Introducing special police powers to allow the Chief Commissioner of Police to stop or move on public protests for a defined period following a designated terrorist event.
Toughening gun laws. Commissioning a review of Victoria’s firearm laws, led by former Chief Commissioner Ken Lay AO APM, to support a stronger national approach.
Early prevention of political extremism. Appointing a Commissioner to implement Victoria’s Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism 2025–28, overseeing outreach and education in schools, clubs and places of worship.
Long-term accountability and a pathway to normality. Convening a council of eminent Victorians to set measurable long-term goals, publicly report on progress, and work with cultural institutions to improve responses to antisemitism.

Bipartisan Commitment from the Opposition

Importantly, the Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, also released a clear public statement and plan, underscoring the need for bipartisan action to combat antisemitism and restore public safety.

The Opposition’s plan commits to:

Restoring law and order on our streets, including stronger police powers, protest controls and legal reforms to prevent hate, intimidation and antisemitism in public spaces.
Ending taxpayer-funded tolerance of hate, by introducing accountability measures for government agencies, universities and publicly funded organisations.
Strengthening bipartisan action, through the establishment of a bipartisan steering committee tasked with identifying legislative gaps and delivering reform.

Zionism Victoria welcomes this bipartisan recognition that antisemitism requires firm leadership, enforceable laws and political unity.

Joint Statement with JCCV

Following the meeting with the Premier, Zionism Victoria and JCCV released the following joint statement:

“Antisemitism has gone unchecked for too long. It is our firm hope that the measures announced today will make Victoria safer for Jewish people. We call for the implementation of these reforms without delay.

“These measures will strengthen the legal framework that holds those who perpetuate antisemitism to account. They will create a safer Victoria for all.

“We thank the Premier and the Opposition Leader for meeting multiple times with many Jewish community leaders in the aftermath of the Bondi shooting. JCCV and Zionism Victoria will continue to work constructively across the Parliament to create a safer Victoria for all, including Jewish Victorians.”

What Comes Next

These announcements mark important next steps - not the full solution.

Zionism Victoria will continue working closely with JCCV, the Premier’s department and leaders across the Parliament to ensure these commitments are implemented effectively and strengthened where required.

Our focus remains clear: translating statements into action, laws into enforcement, and commitments into lasting safety for Jewish Victorians.

We will continue to keep our community informed as this important work progresses.