The Victorian Government has announced an almost $2 million package of security, mental health and community support measures in response to what it has described as a targeted, antisemitic act of terror, saying Jewish Victorians must be able to gather, worship and live without fear.
The announcement comes after the deadly attack in Bondi that targeted a Chanukah gathering, an event that has reverberated across Jewish communities nationwide and prompted urgent action at state and national levels.
Victorian leaders said the attack struck at a moment when Jewish families should have been coming together safely and reaffirmed that Victoria must remain a place where Jewish life can be practiced openly and securely.
The funding package includes $900,000 to support the Community Security Group, which works to protect Jewish life in Victoria. The funding will allow for additional security measures at upcoming community events, school holiday programs and Jewish cultural ceremonies, with the aim of ensuring Jewish Victorians can come together safely.
An additional $250,000 will be directed towards increasing security at youth summer camps, addressing concerns from families and community leaders following the attack.
Alongside physical security, the Government said it would provide immediate mental health and wellbeing support for Jewish communities affected by the violence. The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Rabbinical Council of Victoria will each receive $100,000, while JewishCare will receive $280,000 to expand care and support services.
These services will include mental health case work, expanded outreach to young people and increased engagement with Orthodox Jewish communities, as communities process the trauma and grief of the attack.
The Government also announced $250,000 for a therapeutic intervention program aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism. The program is designed to help individuals reconnect with their communities, build personal strengths and disengage from radical and violent beliefs.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the Government’s response was grounded in both immediate protection and long-term prevention.
“My thoughts are with the Jewish community. You belong here and you deserve to feel safe and secure,” Allan said.
“We are acting to deliver more security across your community and ensuring you can get the support you need.”
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the investment was fundamental to protecting religious freedom. “This investment is about keeping the Jewish community safe and protecting their right to practice their religion here in Victoria,” she said.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said the Government was working closely with Victoria Police as security measures were ramped up. “We are doing everything in our power, working closely with Victoria Police, to make sure Jewish Victorians are safe and stay safe,” he said.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said the timing of the attack during Chanukah made the response especially important. “Hanukkah is a sacred time of light and renewal. No act of hatred can ever be allowed to diminish that and we stand with Jewish Victorians today and every day,” she said.
Beyond state measures, Victoria confirmed its strong support for national reforms discussed at National Cabinet, including strengthening gun laws across the country. First Ministers agreed to accelerate work on a National Firearms Register, consider limits on the number and type of firearms individuals can hold, tighten licensing conditions and reaffirm their commitment to the Permanent National Firearms Amnesty to reduce unregistered weapons.
The Victorian Government said these national efforts build on reforms already underway in the state, including changes to Firearm Prohibition Orders, tougher bail laws for firearms offences and expanded police powers to prevent the spread of illicit guns.
Officials also pointed to earlier legislative changes passed this year to strengthen anti-vilification and social cohesion laws, giving police greater powers to respond to those who incite hatred and fear. The Government said initiatives such as the Local Escalation and Help group and the implementation of the Lekakis Review recommendations would continue as part of its broader effort to combat antisemitism.
As communities across Victoria continue to mourn and reflect, the Government said its message to Jewish Victorians was clear: protection, support and action would continue, and efforts to ensure safety and social cohesion would not relent.
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