Victorian Labor conference gets mixed Jewish response

The Victorian Labor Party state conference has received criticism from Jewish communal bodies for passing a motion supporting the release of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti.

But Jewish Labor figures insist the wider mood at the conference reflected a significant improvement in the party’s relationship with the Jewish community.

Delegates also voted down an amendment that would have condemned Iran’s human rights record.

And Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has criticised two of the motions, saying they did nothing to support social cohesion in Victoria.

“They are not motions that go to state government responsibilities … more importantly, they don’t go to matters that are about strengthening social cohesion in this state,” she said.