Premier Jacinta Allan has used her Anti-Hate Taskforce to directly hear from Indian community leaders in the wake of last weekend’s rallies, saying the government would continue to push back against intimidation.
“We’ve just finished up our Anti-Hate Task Force meeting and today we heard directly from representatives of Victoria’s strong Indian community,” the Premier said in a video posted on Facebook, showing her discussion with Hindu Council of Australia President Makarand Bhagwat.
She asked Bhagwat about the impact of the recent incidents. “We’ve seen some really hateful behaviour in recent days. It’s been so disappointingly targeted at the Indian community and today was an important opportunity to hear directly from your community how it has been impacting you,” Allan said.
Bhagwat thanked the Premier for her response, while highlighting the fear caused by the rallies. “Yes, the 31st August rally was directly pointed at the Indian community. We were very distressed, all the community members were very fearful, even now they are. But thank you for handling this situation, thank you for handling this meeting and having this conversation and we look forward to a positive outcome going forward in this phase,” he said.
Allan stressed that Victoria’s strength comes from its diversity. “The Indian community is such a big and important part of what makes our state great and I know as Premier I’m certainly proud that so many from the Indian community are choosing Melbourne, are choosing Victoria as a place to live, work, raise your beautiful families and that’s why we must continue to push back against this hateful behaviour. It is only from a very small number of people, but it is hateful and I recognise too that it’s hurtful and that’s why we need to have these honest discussions and also work out ways to continue to support you.”
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