A Minns Labor Government will establish a Premier’s Prevention Panel on Racism and Extremism to address the growing safety concerns of faith and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in NSW.
The Panel will include senior representatives of NSW agencies working with CALD and faith leaders to identify issues and to develop whole-of-government responses.
Government agencies represented on the Panel will include the NSW Police Force, Multicultural NSW, NSW Health, Department of Education, Communities and Justice, Local Government and Family and Community Services.
The Panel will consider racism and extremism at all levels – from preventing hate crimes through to tackling racial and religious bullying in schools.
The latest Islamophobia in Australia Report found racist incidents increased after the Christchurch terror attacks in 2019. Women and children are often targeted with 85 percent of female victims wearing a hijab.
Antisemitism is on the rise with a 38 percent increase since 2020, leading to the highest number of incidents on record. There were also numerous examples of Chinese Australians being racially abused during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns, said NSW needs a comprehensive approach to respond to hate crimes when they occur and help prevent them in the first place.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with tolerance and respect, no matter your faith, where you come from, or how you look,” Mr Minns said.
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, said Labor’s announcement ensures faith communities are equipped to deter attacks and address the root causes of violence.
“We are witnessing an increase in the number of race and religious-based instances of vilification, racism and violence and Labor will help the community address the issue.”
In addition to the new Panel, NSW Labor has announced:
- $10 million in funding for faith organisations to improve safety and security at religious institutions including places of worship, schools, community centres, and buildings
- Making religious vilification unlawful by amending the Anti-Discrimination Act within 100 days of taking office.
