Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson has pledged to strengthen measures against antisemitic language and incitement if elected in next month’s state election, linking unchecked hatred to incidents such as the Bondi terror attack. Speaking at the Melbourne launch of the book *Bondi Terror*, co-authored by News24 host Sharri Markson and Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin, Wilson committed to expanding bans on pro-Palestinian slogans that promote violence, including the phrase “globalise the intifada.”
Wilson argued that the normalization of hostile rhetoric, such as “all Zionists are terrorists,” across public spaces, universities, and online platforms contributed to environments conducive to extremist acts. She also promised to introduce move-on laws and protest permits and to review government funding for organizations accused of promoting hatred or violence, specifically mentioning the group MyCentre. “Not one cent of taxpayer money should go to organisations that promote antisemitism or extremism,” she stated. Her remarks received a standing ovation from a large audience of Jewish community members and leaders gathered at Caulfield Shule.
Meanwhile, Premier Ben Carroll officially commenced his campaign seeking a fourth Labor term in office, unveiling a red campaign bus designed to present a “new direction” separate from his predecessors’ legacies. The bus, which began touring on Sunday, highlighted key pledges such as free dental care, increased police and nursing staff, a $30 cap on public transport and road tolls, and funding to repair local roads despite more than a decade of Labor governance.
Carroll, joined by Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams and Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, acknowledged a recent incident in which he temporarily neglected to pay for petrol, a situation resolved after Police contacted the Department of Parliamentary Services. Over the weekend, media reports emerged about Carroll’s alleged habit of taking hour-long naps during work hours and about his wife, Fiona Rothville, participating in meetings and advising staff. Rothville, who has appeared alongside Carroll at several recent press conferences, was not present on the campaign bus.
On the first tour, the campaign visited Geelong, a historically safe Labor seat, where Carroll announced a $1.5 billion investment aimed at reducing average emergency department wait times by 20 percent. The event drew comparisons to previous Labor campaigns, including the 2022 launch by former Premier Daniel Andrews, whose wife, Catherine, was also involved in campaign activities.
While Carroll and his team appeared eager to cultivate positive relations with the media, early polling reflects a cautious electorate. A recent survey of 1,017 Victorian voters found 78 percent prioritize “having a strong new government” over “shaking up the political system,” with varying levels of support across party lines.
During Sunday’s event, Wilson addressed controversy surrounding Liberal candidate Simone Cotton, who was recorded encouraging voters to support One Nation in the upper house while backing the Liberals in the lower house. Wilson described the behavior as a campaign mistake, emphasizing that Cotton had apologized and reaffirming her confidence in the party’s candidates.
The Victorian state election is scheduled for November 26, with both major parties emphasizing different approaches to leadership and governance amid a politically charged atmosphere.