George Lekakis, the longest-serving Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), has been appointed by Premier Jacinta Allan to strengthen social cohesion and review key institutions. This decision comes in response to a series of antisemitic incidents over the past year, culminating in a terror attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea. Lekakis will look into strengthening the Victorian Multicultural Commission best to deliver on social cohesion.
Premier Allan, joined by Minister for Police Anthony Carbines and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, announced several measures today in Melbourne’s CBD. These initiatives aim to:
- Eliminate extreme and radical influences in public protests,
- Safeguard the right to religious worship for all Victorians,
- Help multicultural organisations reject division and promote unity, and
- Streamline government processes to support local communities more effectively.
One of the key measures includes a Victorian-focused “social cohesion pledge” that multicultural organisations must commit to when applying for government grants, with enforceable consequences for violations. Speaking to Neos Kosmos, George Lekakis said, “My focus will be ensuring that social cohesion and support for multiculturalism is a whole-of-government approach and to look at the future direction of the Victorian Multicultural Commission within these parameters.”
Other measures include bans on protests outside places of worship, face masks worn by protesters, and flags or symbols associated with banned terrorist groups and Nazis. Premier Allan said, “Antisemitism thrives in extreme and radical environments, and we are giving police more powers to control protests, making it harder for agents of violence and hate to hide.
“This isn’t about the Middle East. This is about Victoria. This is about our values and the right of anyone in this state to live, work and pray freely without fear of intimidation, fear and violence.”
Lekakis echoed these sentiments, and emphasised the importance of social cohesion during times of global unrest.
“In times of trouble, strengthening social cohesion remains essential as a safeguard against the impact of overseas conflicts.
“While global events can affect our diverse communities, no conflict should undermine the multicultural cohesion we have built so successfully here in Victoria.
“My role will involve consultation with our communities and stakeholders, ensuring our efforts align with the Premier’s vision and new pledge,” he added.
Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, welcomed Lekakis’ appointment.
“Lekakis has been a strong advocate of the positive benefits of multiculturalism for decades. He has been a highly effective leader in this space for a long time.
“We applaud the announcement of Premier Allan and the initiatives announced today. Social cohesion must be at the forefront of all of our community actions,” Papastergiadis said.
Dr Hass Dellal the Chair of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, (AMF) also welcomed the Victorian government’s announcement earlier today “in relation to both actions against hate and vilification as well as in supporting our multicultural diversity”.
“We are a multicultural and multifaith society where people have the right to practice and express their religion without fear of vilification or violence.
“Commitments that protect communities as well as strengthening existing multicultural structures and programs to enhance social cohesion is to be welcomed.
“In this regard, the AMF welcomes the appointment of Mr George Lekakis, AO to head the advisory group that will look into how best to garner the social, cultural and economic benefits for Victoria,” Dr Dellal told Neos Kosmos.
The Premier’s statement highlighted the need for action, noting, “Victorians have witnessed extreme, dangerous, and radical conduct in numerous public demonstrations over the last year. Hate and antisemitism thrive in these environments.”
The government will ban symbols associated with listed terrorist organisations under Victorian law, empowering police to stop, search, and seize such items. Face masks at protests will be prohibited unless worn for legitimate health, religious, or cultural reasons, as they are often used to hinder legal crowd-control actions and conceal the identities of offenders.
Victoria’s Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the coverings can “embolden bad behaviour” at mass gatherings.
“If you have the courage of your convictions and if you stand for something, you don’t get to hide behind a mask here in Victoria,” he told reporters. Ms Allan said the rise in anti-Semitism over the past year was “unacceptable in our modern, multicultural state”.
Attachment devices like chains, locks, and glue—often used in disruptive protests—will also be banned. The statement criticised their use, saying, “They put people in harm’s way, make it harder for police to do their job – and make heroes out of morons.”
The government’s statement underscored the value of multiculturalism, stating, “Multiculturalism isn’t the problem; it’s the solution. When community harmony is at risk, Victoria’s multicultural policies, institutions and personnel must be equipped to reject division, build bridges, and resolve conflict to bring people together.”
Maintaining cohesion said the statement includes “consistent communication, timely updates”, and clear pathways to address concerns as they arise. To facilitate this, the government will establish and chair a new agile body called the Local Escalation and Help group (“Leah”). The group will include representatives from government departments, councils, Jewish community groups, and security organisations, but not politicians. Its focus will be on cutting through bureaucracy and addressing issues swiftly.
