In the wake of the sacking of Victorian minister Adem Somyurek, activists called upon the Labor Party to reaffirm its commitment to equality and have sought a stronger response to discriminatory laws like the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill. The Victorian Premier on Monday announced that Somyurek was being sacked over allegations of branch-stacking as well his sexist and homophobic comments. Later, in the day Somyurek resigned from the Labor Party. The investigation by The Age and Nine Network had revealed Somyurek indulging in branch-stacking – recruiting fake members to local branches to grab political power in the party. The recordings released by the media organisations had Somyur
●Expanded powers will enable PSO to patrol ‘any large area’, including the Melbourne CBD and adjoining areas plus regional cities ● PSOs empowered to deter ‘antisocial behaviour’ ● Concerns about impacts on LGBTI people, pride marches and protests The Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has raised concerns about the Victorian Government’s Police and Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill. The Bill will enable trained Sheriff’s officers to serve family violence intervention order applications. The Bill will also expand the powers of Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to patrol ‘any large area’, including the Melbourne CBD and adjoining areas plus certain regional cities, in a bid to deter ‘
