Opposition questions minister on funding ties

The Victorian opposition has intensified pressure on Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt over government funding to an Islamic organisation led by a preacher described as antisemitic.

At parliamentary estimates hearings, Liberal MP Jade Benham questioned Stitt about financial support for MyCentre, an organisation run by Sheikh Abu Hamza, also known as Samir Mohtadi.

“Mr Mohtadi is on the record of saying some very ugly things that I’m not going to repeat here regarding the Jewish Australian community,” Benham told the committee. “He’s also on the record promoting things that are completely unacceptable regarding the treatment of women.”

Benham also referenced Sheikh Abu Hamza’s reported comments about domestic violence, stating, “He said that rape and beating in the household was okay.”

Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Evan Mulholland condemned the government’s approach. “To claim to stand against antisemitism and champion social cohesion while simultaneously funnelling taxpayer dollars to organisations associated with such hateful rhetoric is a profound contradiction from the Allan Labor government.

“Ministers visit this organisation and individual regularly, local Labor MPs and Ministers need to understand that the standard you walk past is the standard you accept, they need to clearly … condemn this hateful rhetoric.”

A Victorian government spokesperson said Victoria is a proudly multicultural state where people may hold different views, but these must be expressed in ways that are safe, respectful and inclusive – there is no place for hate, racism, antisemitism or violent extremism in any form.

“If the Victorian Liberals were serious about standing against antisemitism, they wouldn’t have voted against our Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion laws – they would have stood with us and the Jewish community when it actually mattered,” they said.

“We know it’s been a challenging time, which is why we asked respected leader George Lekakis AO to review our multicultural settings so we can better resolve conflict, build understanding and celebrate the strength of our diverse communities.”

The Labor government is also introducing a social cohesion pledge for organisations applying for grants with a commitment to mutual respect, with real consequences if it’s broken.

MyCentre has been contacted for comment.