The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria has zero tolerance for hate. The so-called ‘March for Australia’ rallies this past Sunday did not speak to the inclusive values of our dynamic modern Australia.
It was hateful. It was hurtful. It was harmful.
As the voice of multicultural Victoria, ECCV condemns the scenes we saw on the weekend across the country: alongside the violence, there was racialised rhetoric, divisive narratives and misinformation. Not only were these rallies an ugly display, but many people in our diverse communities are alarmed.
Complex economic and social challenges should not be scapegoated on migrants. Our political and civic leaders need to be vigilant and respond decisively to this threat to our community cohesion.
Australia has shed the shackles of the official White Australia Policy. Migration and multiculturalism are a source of strength for the nation – economically, socially and culturally.
Apart from our First Nations peoples, let’s remember we are all migrants here. We come from over 200 nationalities. We have one of the most multicultural populations in the world.
This is truly who we are.
Resources
If you experience or witness racism, racial or religious discrimination in Victoria, you can report it. There is a range of practical supports available, which includes local anti-racism hubs you can visit in person in Wyndham, Whittlesea and Melbourne’s southeast including Casey, Dandenong and Cardinia.
Find more information on the Anti-racism support in Victoria website.
For emergencies, to report a crime in progress or for immediate police attendance, dial ‘000’
You can also report anonymously using the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s community reporting tool.