The Premier of Victoria has pledged mental health support and greater protection for Melbourne’s Jewish community, following a suspected arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue during a Friday night Shabbat service.
Sitting around a long table inside the historic Shule, the Premier met with Rabbi Gutnick, congregation leaders, and members of the Jewish community to hear firsthand how they are coping after the incident. The meeting, sombre yet resolute, comes as part of a broader response by the state government to rising antisemitic incidents and hate-fuelled attacks.
“This is a place that belongs to all Victorians,” the Premier said. “We’ll protect it with everything we’ve got.”
Roughly 20 people were inside the synagogue on the night the fire was allegedly lit, including children. Police have since arrested a 34-year-old man from New South Wales, who faces multiple charges including arson and reckless conduct endangering life. Investigations are ongoing into whether the attack was ideologically motivated.
The Premier’s visit to the synagogue included a private conversation with Rabbi Gutnick. She assured him that the Government would support the congregation, particularly the children who were inside at the time of the attack, by funding targeted mental health services.
“This morning I met Rabbi Gutnick and pledged that our Government will provide funding for the community’s mental health support. Particularly for the children who experienced this terrifying ordeal,” she said.
Beyond emergency response, the Government is moving to tackle hate at both the local and systemic level. A new Anti-Hate Taskforce has been established, bringing together Victoria Police, the City of Melbourne, and community representatives to advise on policy and enforcement.
While the LEAH (Local Escalation and Help) group will continue addressing community-level concerns, the new taskforce will consider broader strategies across the state, including enforcement of the Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Act passed earlier this year.
The Premier confirmed the taskforce will meet for the first time this week. “We will be updated on how Victoria Police is planning to implement the new laws, the outcomes from LEAH meetings, and the progress of legislation to combat extreme and violent protest.”
Members of the Jewish community will be invited to participate in the taskforce to ensure their voices are part of the process from day one.
The East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, which has served the city since 1857, had previously received $80,000 in Government funding for security infrastructure. But as recent events show, security is no longer just a matter of locks and cameras.
Alongside enforcement, the Government is considering stronger conditions for community organisations seeking state funding. A social cohesion pledge, now under review as part of the Lekakis consultation, may soon become a requirement for funding eligibility.
The push follows broader concerns about extremist displays, including radical demonstrations and symbols linked to hate movements. The Government has announced plans for legislation banning face coverings, attachment devices and terrorist insignia at protests, with community consultation ongoing.
“We have a strong action plan, and it’s underway,” the Premier said. “We’re backing our police, giving them more powers, and we won’t rest until every Victorian feels safe to be who they are.”
The broader message, according to the Premier, is clear: hate doesn’t belong in Victoria—whether outside a synagogue, in a restaurant, or on the street.
As political leaders and faith groups grapple with a shifting climate of social division and fear, the mood around the table at the East Melbourne synagogue was one of cautious determination. More than just law and order, the response aims to reinforce something deeper—a sense of belonging, and the right to gather without fear.
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