The Australian Government is strengthening the safety of Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ community through a commitment of up to $1 million over 4 years to improve the safety and security of the Victorian Pride Centre.
The funding, made available from the Proceeds of Crime program, will improve physical security at the Centre, and provide crisis and incident management training to staff and volunteers.
This funding is in response to an increased threat level, especially from far-right extremist activity, and community concern regarding safety and security at the Victorian Pride Centre.
In recent years, the Victorian Police have increased their threat assessment for the VPC, identifying it as a high-risk target. The VPC has reported multiple security incidents per week including some attendees being assaulted after leaving the centre. In response the VPC has increased security presence at their site, and this funding help to support the VPC to uplift the long-term security of the centre.
Since 2022, the Australian Government has provided funding of more than $202 million under the Proceeds of Crime program to support key crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives. Of this, $108 million has been delivered to organisations to improve local security infrastructure, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to improving safety in places where Australians gather for cultural and community purposes.
These grants have supported practical improvements such as CCTV upgrades, lighting, alarms, and protective measures for community facilities. This helps to reduce opportunities for crime and increase public safety and confidence.
The Victorian Price Centre is Australia’s first purpose-built home for LGBTQIA+ communities, and houses practical and supportive services, advocacy organisations, and programs for connection for Victoria’s queer community.
Quotes attributable to Hon. Julian Hill MP
“All Australians have the right to be safe and respected whatever their identity.
“The Pride Centre is a truly community-minded organisation and uplifting its security enables it to continue to support Victoria’s diverse LGBQTIA+ groups and organisations.
“By partnering with communities and investing in making places where communities gather safer, the Government is ensuring that crime prevention is proactive, collaborative, and tailored to meet a wide variety of community circumstances.”
Quotes attributable to Hon. Ged Kearney MP
“For too long, LGBTQIA+ people have lived with threats of violence simply because of their identity. That should never be accepted, no one should grow up believing harm is something they just have to live with.
“When we make our communities safer, we give people the freedom to live openly and fully as themselves, sooner, and without fear.
Quotes attributable to Josh Burns MP (Local Member of Parliament)
“The Victorian Pride Centre is a powerful symbol of equality and belonging, and personally, it means so much that it proudly stands in St Kilda.”“When one community is targeted by hate or intimidation, it threatens us all. This important investment will help ensure the VPC, a place where the LGBTIQA+ community comes together, remains safe and secure.”“We know community dollars are precious, so we’re helping the Pride Centre protect its space, allowing it to focus on supporting our community.”
Quotes attributable to Sarah Witty MP
“The Victorian Pride Centre is a powerful symbol of inclusion, equality, and pride for LGBTIQA+ Victorians. This investment will help ensure it remains not only a welcoming space, but a safe one.
“No one should feel unsafe for being who they are. By directing proceeds of crime into practical security upgrades and training, we are strengthening protections for a community that deserves to gather, celebrate and access support with confidence.
“This funding reflects our commitment to working alongside LGBTIQA+ organisations to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities.”