Backing Victoria’s Islamic Communities
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will invest $8.4 million to support Victoria’s Islamic communities.
Discrimination of all kinds is unacceptable – that’s why a Labor Government will invest $3 million to stamp out Islamophobia in Victoria.
And we’ll strengthen the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 to make it easier to prosecute individuals who incite hatred or bigotry.
We will also establish a Multicultural and Multifaith Law Reform Consultative Committee to ensure the voices of diverse communities are heard and considered in the development of Victorian laws.
And a re-elected Labor Government will establish a $5 million Islamic Communities Infrastructure Program to help Muslim organisations build, upgrade or renovate buildings that support our Islamic communities.
This includes building a culturally appropriate health care clinic at Preston Mosque and working with the Australian Multicultural Foundation to establish Victoria’s first culturally appropriate Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation centre to give Muslim Victorians the access they need to culturally appropriate services.
A Labor Government will invest $500,000 to fund an exhibition to celebrate the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and share the history of our Islamic communities.
We will partner with the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Islamic Museum of Australia to deliver this important exhibition to enable Muslim Victorians to celebrate the Prophet’s life, and give more Victorians the opportunity to understand and appreciate the significant contributions of our Islamic communities.
Labor will also invest $400,000 to support Open Mosque Day run by the Islamic Council of Victoria, so more Victorians can share in and learn about the faith and traditions of our Islamic communities.
Labor is backing Victoria’s Islamic communities – not just with words, but with action.
Matthew Guy’s Liberals have a record of dividing communities – not uniting them – you can’t trust them to stand with Victoria’s Islamic communities in the face of rising extremism and racism.
Labor is doing what matters – supporting our many diverse communities and promoting a vibrant multicultural society.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“No matter where you’re from, what you look like, what you believe in or what language you speak – there’s no place for hate in Victoria.”
“Labor is doing what matters – supporting Muslim Victorians not just with words, but with action.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
“Victoria’s Islamic communities are an integral part of our state. These important changes will ensure Muslims can live freely, knowing we have the right safeguards in place to protect them from discrimination.”
“Only Labor will stand up for Victoria’s Islamic Communities. You can’t trust the Liberals to support our Muslim Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Labor Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“As Victoria’s first female Muslim Member of Parliament and Chair of Victoria’s Inquiry into anti-vilification protections I am proud to be part of this investment in our Islamic communities.”