The ABC reported that as the COVID-19 pandemic rose in Victoria, a year ago, so did the number of people contacting Victoria’s human rights commissioner for advice about racial vilification, and new data shows it is not slowing down.
This week the Anti-Vilification Protections Inquiry, which investigated the effectiveness of the current protections against vilification, was tabled in State Parliament, and its recommendations will be considered by the Government.
Natalie Suleyman, Chair of the Legislative Assembly’s Legal and Social Issues Committee, recently spoke on the rise in far-right extremism which triggered the Anti-Vilification Protections Inquiry. John Kennedy, Member for Hawthorn, was proud to join Natalie shortly after she tabled her report on the anti-vilification inquiry.
“The Government created our current anti-vilification laws and stands ready to strengthen them if necessary. This includes looking closely at the recommendation to ban the Nazi swastika,” said John.
“Like the Nazi swastika, racism has no place in Victoria – there has never been a more vital time for us to unite against prejudice and show compassion for each another.”
The Government will consider the committee’s report and have more to say in due course.
August 8, 2022 - The Fortnightly
August 8, 2022 - Parliament
August 1, 2022 - News
Students from Bialik College, Scotch College, Siena College and Strathcona Girls Grammar have been recognised alongside the state’s best performing VCE students in the Premier’s VCE Awards. Member for Hawthorn, John Kennedy congratulates the following students in their outstanding achievement: Ryan Ahl was recognised with...
July 27, 2022 - The Fortnightly
July 25, 2022 - Parliament
I had some parents approach me about expanded post-natal screening. They told me about their experience, and I immediately acted. I was proud to see it funded in the budget, and in the last sitting week before the winter break I asked the Minister...
July 20, 2022 - News
Passengers on the Lilydale, Frankston and Pakenham lines and road users in Melbourne’s west are reminded to plan ahead while works continue to remove dangerous and congested level crossings at Mont Albert, Surrey Hills, Glen Huntly, Pakenham, Deer Park and Ardeer this winter. The level...
July 13, 2022 - The Fortnightly
July 8, 2022 - Parliament
I recently gave a speech in Parliament celebrating an iconic Hawthorn figure, Melbourne’s Happiest Tram Driver, Bruce Whalley, who spreads joy on our tram lines.
July 8, 2022 - News
The Andrews Government is backing the creative workers who power Victoria’s creative industries with the largest ever round of the ground-breaking Creators Fund. John Kennedy MP, Member for Hawthorn today announced a $46,820 grant to local designer Charlotte Algie through the 2022 round of the...
July 8, 2022 - News
The Andrews Government is reducing costs for Hawthorn motorists with a new package that rewards safe driver behaviour and makes learners and probationary licenses free. Member for Hawthorn John Kennedy MP said local drivers would benefit from the reintroduction of the safe driver discount, free...