NSW opposition leader pledges increased security support for all faiths
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has pledged his bipartisan support for increased security measures at all faith-based institutions.
NSWJBD president David Ossip, Prue Car, Chris Minns and NSWJBD CEO Darren Bark.
He made the pledge when he addressed a shadow cabinet meeting in the presence of faith leaders on Monday night.
The meeting was opened by NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark and attended by the entire shadow cabinet, including deputy leader Prue Car, and leaders from faith communities, including the Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and other faith groups.
Minns condemned the increasing number of threats to faith organisations as “unconscionable”, saying if Labor is elected next year it will ensure “effective and appropriately funded” measures to protect the safety, security and wellbeing of all faith groups.
Minns also announced he would establish a NSW Faith Affairs Council, introduce legislation to make religious vilification unlawful, and refer the Anti-Discrimination Act to the NSW Law Reform Commission for review.
“We listened and shared our vision for a welcoming and inclusive NSW. Thanks to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies for hosting NSW Labor and other faith leaders,” Minns said on Monday.
NSWJBD President David Ossip said: “Safety and security is a vital issue facing the NSW Jewish community and we welcome the strong leadership and commitment by the Labor Party to ensure our community members’ wellbeing is protected.”
CEO Darren Bark welcomed Minns and Labor “taking the time to meet with faith leaders and for giving us a platform to voice our communities’ priorities and challenges to the Labor leadership”.
“We look forward to working together to ensure a safe, rich and vibrant NSW for all faiths,” Bark said.
