Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced an urgent package of security, mental health and anti-extremism measures to support Jewish Victorians in the wake of a targeted antisemitic terror attack that has shocked communities across Australia. The Victorian Government says it is determined to ensure Jewish families can gather, worship and celebrate Hanukkah in safety and without fear.​

Victoria moves quickly to protect Jewish community

The Victorian Government will invest nearly $2 million in immediate security upgrades and community support so Jewish Victorians can attend events, school holiday programs and youth camps with greater protection in place. Victoria Police is also ramping up its presence around key Jewish neighbourhoods and communal sites, with extra resources backing a strong, visible response.​

Central to the package is $900,000 for the Community Security Group (CSG), which plays a frontline role in safeguarding Jewish life in Victoria, including synagogues, schools and major community gatherings. A further $250,000 is being directed to boost security at Jewish youth summer camps, giving parents reassurance that their children can participate in communal life and return home safely.​

Mental health, outreach and community care

Recognizing the emotional toll of the attack, the Government is also funding targeted mental health and wellbeing services for Jewish Victorians. The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Rabbinical Council of Victoria will each receive $100,000, while JewishCare has been allocated $280,000 to expand counselling, casework and outreach.​

These supports will focus on young people and more vulnerable or isolated parts of the community, including Orthodox Jews, who may be feeling the impact of the attack particularly acutely. Services will include mental health case management, expanded youth engagement and tailored outreach programs to help people process trauma and rebuild confidence in public life.​

Tackling extremism and preventing violence

As part of a broader push to confront violent extremism, Victoria is putting $250,000 into a therapeutic intervention program designed to help at-risk individuals disengage from radical ideologies. The program aims to reconnect people with their communities, build personal resilience and reduce the likelihood of future violence driven by hate.​

This sits alongside ongoing national work through National Cabinet, where leaders have agreed to strengthen gun laws and accelerate the National Firearms Register. Proposed reforms include tighter limits on the number and type of firearms individuals can hold, greater use of criminal intelligence in licensing, and maintaining a permanent national firearms amnesty to reduce unregistered weapons.​

Stronger laws against hate and antisemitism

Victoria points to earlier “nation-leading” anti-vilification and social cohesion reforms, which have created tougher offences for serious hate conduct and expanded police powers to act against those who incite hatred based on race or religion. The government has also established the Local Escalation and Help (LEAH) group and is implementing recommendations from the Lekakis Review to ensure institutions are better equipped to confront division and antisemitism.​

These measures build on recent changes to Firearm Prohibition Orders, tougher bail laws for firearms offences and expanded powers for police to pursue those attempting to evade service of prohibition orders. Together, the legal reforms are intended to send a clear message that hate-fuelled violence and threats against faith communities will not be tolerated in Victoria.​

Leaders pledge solidarity with Jewish Victorians

Premier Jacinta Allan said Victorians are “horrified” by the targeted antisemitic act of terror and emphasized that Jewish people “belong here” and have the right to feel safe and secure in their own state. She stressed that the new funding is about backing words with action by delivering more security across the community and ensuring support is available to anyone who needs it.​

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny underlined that the investment is focused on protecting the Jewish community’s right to practice its religion freely in Victoria. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said authorities are doing “everything in our power” with Victoria Police to ensure Jewish Victorians are safe and stay safe. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt highlighted the special significance of Hanukkah and vowed that “no act of hatred” will be allowed to diminish the festival’s message of light and renewal.