Victoria’s Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs Evan Mulholland has accused the Allan Government of failing multicultural communities after Labor voted against amendments to widen the scope of a proposed parliamentary inquiry into hate crimes.
The debate arose after the Greens moved for an inquiry into hate crimes towards the LGBTQIA+ community to be examined by the Parliamentary Legal and Social Issues Committee. Mr Mulholland sought to amend the motion to include anti-Indian, anti-Semitic and broader xenophobic hatred. Labor did not support the changes.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Mulholland said, “The Indian community in my electorate is regularly raising with me their concern about the rise in racism – both in the streets and also online.”
He argued that emerging technology had added a further dimension to the issue. “With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, there is a whole new frontier of spiteful content that is being created to demonise the Indian community.”
“It is easy to dismiss this as ‘AI slop’ when it is not your background or skin colour which is being attacked,” he said.
“Mulholland referred to incidents in recent years affecting different communities, including the vandalism of the BAPS temple in Mill Park and the Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing, anti-Semitic graffiti at Jewish schools, and the theft of a Gandhi statue in Rowville and the Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Preston”
Mr Mulholland told Parliament, “I fail to see how any member of this place, who cares for social cohesion, who cares for our multicultural communities and the strength of our social fabric, could fail to support my amendments.”
In outlining his case, he referred to incidents in recent years affecting different communities, including the vandalism of the BAPS temple in Mill Park and the Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing, anti-Semitic graffiti at Jewish schools, and the theft of a Gandhi statue in Rowville and the Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Preston.
During the debate, Labor MP Michael Galea said that widening the scope of the inquiry would “dilute” the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mr Mulholland later said, “Labor will smile, take a selfie, claim they are concerned about incidents in Parliament and then when it matters, they vote with the Greens to abandon multicultural Victorians.”
The Greens’ original motion focused on hate crimes directed at the LGBTQIA+ community. Labor supported that inquiry but did not back the proposed amendments.
The exchange highlights an ongoing debate in Parliament about how hate crimes should be examined and whether inquiries should address specific communities or take a broader approach.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
