Minister Danny Pearson defends government’s efforts against anti-Semitism

Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson has insisted the Victorian government has “done what’s needed” to combat anti-Semitism, following the abuse of Jewish students at Melbourne Museum.

Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson insisted that the state government “had done what is needed” to combat anti-Semitism in Victoria at a press event on Friday morning.

“We passed legislation to outlaw hatred, so as a government, I feel that we have done what’s needed to be done in order to tackle the scourge,” Mr Pearson said.

“We continue to invest and support Victoria police – giving them the resources that they need to do their job.”

Mr Pearson also contended that “isolated incidents” such as Thursday’s abuse of Jewish students at the Melbourne Museum, should not be taken as “reflective” of the rest of Victoria.

“I don’t believe (anti-Semitism) is the norm – I think that if you look around our city and our state, the overwhelming majority of people are tolerant, are respectful, they’re not racist, they’re not bigots.

Victorian Minister Danny Pearson has insisted that the state government “had done what is needed” to combat anti-Semitism. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Pearson said he was unaware if the Department of Education had made contact with the school of the offending students as of Friday morning.

“I think it’s important that the school investigates these matters,” he said.

“I’m sure the Department of Education will also have a view on this, and I think it’s important that we let that process run its course, and I’ll await the outcomes of that investigation.

“There’s just no place for hatred in our society.”

Originally published as Minister Danny Pearson defends government’s efforts against anti-Semitism