Calls for tougher protest laws following terror attack

A former minister of the Andrews government has criticized Victoria Police for overlooking terror symbols in Melbourne and is urging state Labor to adopt stricter protest regulations akin to those in New South Wales.

Philip Dalidakis, who served from 2015 to 2018, linked the recent arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue to a failure in public safety measures.

He is advocating for the introduction of protest permits and enhanced police authority to disperse gatherings.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labeled the synagogue attack an act of terrorism, a stance not shared by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who refrained from such a designation to avoid hindering police investigations.

She characterised the attack as designed to instill fear within the Jewish community.

Community fear

Albanese signaled that the attack fits the definition of terrorism due to its intent to incite community fear.

He highlighted Labor’s commitment to Jewish community safety, referencing $25 million allocated to enhance security and an additional $32.5 million pledged.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton condemned the attack as a national disgrace and accused Labor of failing to address rising antisemitism.

He, along with former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, called for a formal terrorism designation and the formation of a police taskforce against antisemitism.