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Carbines said many traders in Melbourne’s CBD were “worn down” by the constant protest activity in the city, and they wanted the chance for a successful Christmas retail period.
The Free Palestine Melbourne protest has marched from the State Library through the CBD every Sunday for 62 weeks.
Pro-Palestinian protesters march through Melbourne’s CBD on December 8.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui
Last weekend, one of the rally’s organisers, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni, told The Age the protests would end only after the “liberation” of Palestine.
Mashni condemned the December 6 firebombing at the synagogue as antisemitic, and noted there was “no room for hate” in his movement.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines.Credit: Eddie Jim
Carbines said the government was in talks with the NSW government about its approach to curtailing antisemitic behaviour at protests.
After the synagogue firebombing, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced a review into strengthening protections for religious institutions, which could mean protests at places of worship are outlawed.
NSW has a permit system for protests, which is not in place in Victoria.
Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement that Victoria’s Jewish population deserved “action that makes a difference” in the face of rising antisemitism.
“We must leave no stone unturned to fight the evil of antisemitism in all its forms, and restore social cohesion in our multicultural state,” she said.
Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson said the government would not allow the “disgusting” antisemitic behaviour to continue.
“What we’ve seen in recent times has been absolutely shameful behaviour,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe. Everyone has the right to go to a place of worship and do so without being accosted, harassed or molested.”
Opposition Leader John Pesutto criticised the government for its lack of urgency around changing protest laws to reduce incidents of antisemitism.
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“For the premier to punt those down the road so that we won’t get them until February next year at the earliest is just not acceptable,” Pesutto said.
The government has already pledged $100,000 to kickstart a donation drive to rebuild the Adass Israel synagogue. A further $1 million will be distributed as Jewish community security infrastructure grants.
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