Victorian politicians at Parliament Chanukah event
Allan announces new security funding as Wilson calls for action on antisemitism
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced additional security funding for the Jewish community at the annual Chanukah at Parliament event, held in the shadow of the Bondi terror attack.
“This attack was targeted. It was intentional. It was antisemitic. It was terrorism. People were murdered because they were Jewish,” Allan told the gathering at State Parliament on Tuesday.
“There is no explanation that softens that truth.”
The Premier was joined by Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, Supreme Court Justice Ian Waller KC, and parliamentarians from across the political spectrum at the event organised by Chabad of Melbourne CBD and St Kilda Shule.
Media personality Peta Credlin served as MC, while Justice Waller lit the Chanukah candles.
St Kilda Rabbi Yaakov Glasman spoke and the shule’s cantor, Brett Kaye, sang.
Allan announced a package of measures including additional funding for the Community Security Group to bolster security at events, school holiday activities and cultural gatherings, counselling support through Jewish Care, funding for the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and Rabbinic Council of Victoria, and security support for youth summer camps.
“Antisemitism is a cancer, and it cannot be ignored. It cannot be excused, because when it does is, it grows stronger,” Allan said.
“But we know that when it is confronted, it can be stopped, and that is our responsibility.”
The Premier acknowledged the community’s grief, noting many attendees personally knew victims of the attack.
“I know so many of you here today know people from Sydney who were murdered. They were colleagues, friends, leaders, members of your faith and your community.”
She thanked the organisers for proceeding with the event despite the tragedy.
“Continuing that work now in the face of such loss is not easy, but that you have done so speaks to real courage.”
Wilson described the Bondi attack as “one of the darkest days in Australia’s history” and “an unspeakable act of evil, of pure hatred that is crystallised into violence and murder.”
The Opposition Leader, who met with Jewish community leaders at Caulfield Shul on Monday, said their message had been clear.
“Words alone are not enough. We need meaningful action to ensure the safety of the community.”
Wilson acknowledged frustration within the Jewish community that warnings about rising antisemitism had gone unheeded, quoting antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal.
“I have to say that I’ve been holding my breath, fearing that something like this would happen, because it hasn’t come without warning.”
She argued that increased security alone would not address the underlying problem.
“We must be honest with ourselves that antisemitism has become normalised in our country over the last two years,” Wilson said.
“Higher walls and more security patrols are not the answer to the fundamental and underlying poison that is antisemitism.”
The Opposition Leader contrasted her own experience attending Christmas events without security concerns with the reality facing Jewish Australians.
“Jewish mothers should not have to walk past armed guards to drop their kids off at school. Jewish families should not have to walk past armed guards to simply attend synagogue and pray. This is not an acceptable set of circumstances in Australia in 2025.”
Wilson offered bipartisan support to the government.
“I have offered my full support to the Premier and her government in any action they seek to take in response to the act of violence. A strong and decisive response is required now.”
Both leaders invoked the symbolism of Chanukah in their closing remarks.
Allan said, “As we light the menorah, we reaffirm our commitment in words and in actions. The Jews in Victoria do not stand alone.”
Wilson pledged to work “toward an Australia where our Jewish community can once again walk in light without fear.”
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