Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin has rejected claims by Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, that he failed to strongly condemn neo-Nazis.
The controversy arose after reports in the Herald Sun linked Battin to a November 2024 rally in his Berwick electorate, where members of the white supremacist National Socialist Network were present. Battin categorically denied inviting the group and stated he left the rally immediately upon recognising their presence.
“There is no place for hate-filled people in our state, period,” Battin said in a statement to the Herald Sun over the weekend.
At a press conference on Monday, January 13, Dimopoulos criticised Battin for using “weasel words” and not taking a stronger stance. He accused the Opposition Leader of failing to unequivocally disown neo-Nazis and called for unity against hate.
“He [Battin] needs to step up and say to these people, ‘you are wrong, and you are disgraceful’,” Dimopoulos said.
In response, Battin described Dimopoulos’ remarks as a “political ploy” and defended his record.
“I would never, ever in my life stand beside, near or around a neo-Nazi. I would call them out for the scum they are,” he said. “For Steve Dimopoulos to use this as a political ploy is an absolute disgrace…”
He also criticised the Allan government’s response to rising anti-Semitism, arguing that more proactive measures are needed to ensure the Jewish community feels safe.
Source: Herald Sun
