Minister and leaders meet
The education provided in the campaign includes information about the scope of the new laws, the impact of the Nazi swastika on Jewish Victorians, and the exemptions to the laws that allow faith communities that consider the swastika a symbol of peace to continue displaying it.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks met with religious and community leaders on Monday night to discuss the state government’s swastika education and awareness campaign.
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has worked with the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain communities in Victoria on the campaign, which commenced ahead of the December 2022 introduction of the law to ban the public display of the Nazi swastika in Victoria.
Throughout this six-month campaign, the JCCV has worked with community partners to help educate various groups across the community about the new laws.
These groups include CSG, Courage to Care and the ARK Centre.
The JCCV has also provided training to local government and other groups through their Jewish Immersion Program.
The education provided in the campaign includes information about the scope of the new laws, the impact of the Nazi swastika on Jewish Victorians, and the exemptions to the laws that allow faith communities that consider the swastika a symbol of peace to continue displaying it.
JCCV CEO Judy Fetter said, “The swastika education and awareness campaign has been an excellent opportunity for the JCCV to help the Victorian Hindu, Buddhist and Jain communities understand the history and meaning of the Nazi symbol and the impact it can have on Jewish people.
“We have also had the chance to learn more about the peaceful origins of this symbol for other faith communities. This interaction has been truly positive and informative.”
She explained that the meeting this week was an “opportunity to reflect on the lessons we have all learnt and to thank the Victorian government and Victoria Police for their support for this important new law.”
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