Statement From Minister For Equality 18 February
Under the Allan Labor Government, equality is not negotiable - that's why we're supporting the Legal and Social Issues Committee running an Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes.
Today, Labor showed leadership - hate and division is not welcome in Victoria.
In contrast, the divided Liberal Party turned their backs on the LGBTIQA+ community. Not for the first time.
Conservative forces in the Liberal Party room have again exposed leadership weakness by failing to support today's important hate crimes inquiry.
It is clear the Liberals lack real leadership.
Hate crimes are real and the LGBTIQA+ community is being targeted.
Attempting to block the anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes Parliamentary Inquiry is a betrayal - this is about improving safety, protecting people and better understanding what contributes to these heinous crimes.
Instead, the Liberals prefer divisive political games.
Time and time again, the Liberals show their weakness and division by bowing to internal pressure. Real leadership does not try to use LGBTIQA+ lives as a political bargaining chip.
Victorians need leadership that supports them.
Every Victorian, no matter who they are or who they love, should live safely, wholly and freely.
That's why we passed strong anti-vilification laws, criminalised 'posting and boasting', strengthened bail reforms and banned machetes.
Under an Allan Labor Government, equality is not negotiable in Victoria, and it never will be.
While the Liberal Party continues to fight each other, we're focused on new solutions that make Victoria safer.
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/260218-Statement-From-The-Minister-For-Equality.pdf
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