Politicians slam Nazi graffiti dubbed on Premier’s image
Vandals have pasted an image of Victorian premier Daniel Andrews with a swastika on his forehead and with a Hitler moustache on a road sign in the suburb of Highett.
Image: Supplied
Two Liberal politicians have issued a statement condemning the Nazi imagery flaunted on the Labor premier.
Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick [Caulfield] and Member for Sandringham Brad Rowswell said: “This is a disgraceful act and a completely unacceptable depiction of the Premier.
No matter your political beliefs, such actions have no place in our community and the Victorian Liberal Nationals condemn this attack and depiction in the strongest possible terms.
This incident follows recent cases in Beulah and Kyabram, where the Nazi swastika has been used in deliberate attempts to inspire fear, hate and revulsion throughout the community.
The use of Nazi symbolism and imagery for political purposes is abhorrent and this incident again demonstrates the urgent need for new laws banning the public display of the Nazi swastika in Victoria.
David Southwick added: “This cowardly attack is entirely unacceptable and using Nazi imagery as a tool for making a political point is simply disgraceful.
This incident follows similar cases in Beulah and Kyabram and again highlights the need for a clear ban on the public display of the Nazi Swastika.”
Local member Brad Rowswell stated: “Highett is a proudly inclusive and welcoming community and local residents will be shocked and deeply sadden by this disgraceful attack.
The use of Nazi symbolism in this manner is in no way a reflection on our community and I look forward to working with local police and residents to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour.”
Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich has denounced the poster.
“This is an attack on all Victorians, plain and simple, and cannot stand,” Dr Abramovich said.
“Such craven vandalism is a distressing reminder that white-supremacism still remains strong and that there are individuals walking our streets with burning hatred in their hearts who will stop at nothing to promote their poisonous ideology.”
“We deplore these ugly actions for what they represent: an abhorrent assault on our democratic system and on the core values all Victorians share and cherish.
Using these evil symbols to attack our elected representatives is an insult to the memory of victims murdered at the hands of the Nazis and to those brave Australian soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defeat Hitler’s Third Reich.
It is also a kick in the guts of every Holocaust survivor.
We trust that those who carried out this outrageous act are identified and are brought to justice.
We call on all religious and political leaders to declare in one voice that such reprehensible conduct will never be tolerated in our nation.”
This matter has now been referred to Victoria Police for further investigation and action as necessary.
