Hate Has No Borders: Bondi Was a Warning for Victoria
The massacre targeting Jewish Australians in Bondi was not an isolated tragedy. It was a warning shot for Victoria.
Antisemitic violence does not stop at state borders. Nor does extremist risk.
The recent alleged counter-terrorism raids in NSW involving Victorians make it clear that this threat is not contained elsewhere; it is already a Victorian issue.
Expressions of concern and limited funding, while welcome, are not sufficient. Funding alone will not address the scale of this risk. The threat environment has escalated and the Victorian Government’s response must rise to the challenge.
The Victorian Government must act immediately and implement measures that change outcomes on the ground.
We therefore call for the immediate implementation of the following five actions:
1: Stronger Hate Crime, Hate Speech and Incitement Laws
Victoria must urgently strengthen its legal framework by:
Expanding hate crime laws to include clear, enforceable sentencing considerations where offences are motivated by antisemitism or other racial or religious hatred.
Criminalising explicit incitement to violence, including public chants, slogans or statements that advocate for, or glorify, violence against Jews - such as “globalise the intifada” - consistent with international precedent and subject to clear thresholds and safeguards.
2: Emergency Public Safety Powers During Elevated Threat
Victoria should introduce tailored, time-limited public safety powers during declared terror incidents or periods of elevated threat, including:
Temporary restrictions on protests in defined locations where there is a demonstrable risk to public or community safety, replicating NSW reforms.
Targeted firearm law reforms to further restrict access, curb proliferation and reduce the risk of serious violence, replicating NSW reforms.
Urgent amendments to relevant legislation to make it an offence to conceal identity within police-designated protest areas.
3. Clear Police Powers and Political Backing
The Government must ensure Victoria Police have:
Clear statutory authority to intervene where individuals openly support, glorify or advocate for extremist acts or organisations, including in public demonstrations, online activity and religious centres preaching hate.
Unambiguous political backing to enforce the law without hesitation or fear of political reprisal.
Law enforcement cannot protect the public in an environment of ambiguity.
4. Sustained Security Funding for Jewish Institutions
The Government must provide:
Immediate, increased and sustained operational security funding for Jewish schools, synagogues, community centres, camps and community events, including guards, patrols and protective services.
Security must be ongoing and proportionate to the threat.
5. Leadership, education and Public Accountability
The Premier, Attorney General, Minister for Police, Minister for Education and Minister for Multicultural Affairs should commit to:
Regular, structured engagement with representative Jewish bodies, with agreed actions and timelines.
State-funded public education initiatives, developed in partnership with Jewish organisations, to counter antisemitism.
Curriculum-based education that prepares young people to confront antisemitism and prejudice.
This must be a defining moment for Victoria.
Confronting antisemitism and extremism requires clear leadership, enforceable action and a firm commitment to Australian values.
Elyse Schachna - President, Zionism Victoria
Ilan Rimer - CEO, Zionism Victoria
Zionism Victoria has formally written to the Premier of Victoria and Leader of the Opposition on behalf of our community.