Government Steps In: Victoria Reviews Multicultural Policies as Hate Crimes Rise

The move follows a series of disturbing incidents—including an attack on a synagogue, multiple arrests for Nazi salutes, and assaults on women wearing hijabs.

Pro-Palestine protesters march past Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, Australia on Oct. 7, 2024. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

With hate-fuelled attacks on the rise, the Allan Labor government is launching a review of Victoria’s multicultural policies and institutions to strengthen protections against discrimination and division.

Led by George Lekakis AO, the former chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the review will examine how well the state’s systems handle conflicts, foster unity, and celebrate diversity.

“Lekakis was the longest-ever serving Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and he has unique insights and knowledge of multicultural and multifaith communities, government institutions, and policies,” the government said in its March 6 announcement.

The move follows a series of disturbing incidents—including an attack on a synagogue, multiple arrests for Nazi salutes, and an assault on two women wearing hijabs in a Melbourne shopping mall.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said the review will involve direct engagement with communities, stakeholders, and multicultural organisations to find better ways to combat hate.

“This will guide the next steps needed to strengthen Victoria’s multiculturalism and help stop division,” she said.

Spike in Hate Crimes Prompts Action

Across Australia, hate crimes are rising, triggering both legal crackdowns and policy shifts.

In Victoria, seven men were charged on Feb. 26 for allegedly performing a Nazi salute at a Geelong venue on Feb. 8.  The banned gesture of a group of men, aged 19 to 25, was caught on camera and circulated online, sparking an investigation.

Under state law, publicly displaying Nazi symbols or gestures carries penalties of up to $23,710 fine, 12 months in jail, or both.

In another incident, a 31-year-old woman was arrested last week for allegedly attacking two women wearing hijabs at Epping Plaza in Melbourne on Feb. 13.

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard that Ealaf Al-Esawie and Kawthar Ali—who is pregnant and was with her daughter—were targeted for wearing the Muslim headscarf.

Ali was allegedly dragged to the ground by her hijab, while Al-Esawie was slapped and shoved.

The accused reportedly has a history of similar offences, including a 2020 assault on another hijab-wearing woman at a medical centre.

NSW Takes a Proactive Approach

As Victoria reviews its multicultural policies, the New South Wales government is taking direct action.

The Minns Labor government has launched the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local government, offering $500,000 in funding to help councils prevent and respond to hate, polarisation, and global tensions spilling into local communities.

Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 will support projects that strengthen connection, trust, and resilience—giving councils more tools to tackle these challenges head-on.