Stronger Together 2025: Victorian Anti-hate Summit
10th December 2025
On Human Rights Day 2025, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission hosted the Stronger Together 2025, Anti-Hate Summit on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people to discuss ways to protect human rights and inclusion in Victoria.
In a time of rising hate, vilification and discrimination in our society, the Summit brought together more than 100 leaders from across Victoria’s diverse communities. The Summit was addressed by the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Jacinta Allan, and Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Ro Allen. The Attorney General of Victoria, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny, Sheena Watt MP, and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Mike Bush attended the Summit.
Attendees included leaders from First Nations communities, multicultural and multifaith communities, LGBTIQA+ communities, the disability and youth sectors, women’s organisations, universities, human rights organisations, the Victorian Public Sector and Commissioners.
As Premier Allan said during the Summit, there is a pressing need to build a society that is united in our diversity and free from hate.
The Summit focussed on ways to address the misinformation, radicalisation and fear that is driving hate. Attendees agreed that we need to actively engage on these important issues through respectful dialogue – even when we don’t agree. This requires continued conversations across barriers, support for grassroots community organisations, responsible leadership and cross-sector collaboration. Summit attendees also identified current practices that we can learn from and build upon to address hate.
We all have a mutual responsibility to foster a shared humanity that is anchored in respect, dignity and equality. The Summit affirmed that these underlying values and our human rights are central to a safe and fair Victoria.
Commissioner Allen reminded attendees that “while we all represent a minority group, collectively we are the majority of the Victorian population – and we matter. Hope has a place in Victoria and will thrive where we find common ground.”
On Human Rights Day 2025, Victoria’s Anti-Hate Summit affirmed that we are stronger together.
For more information, contact enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au
