A Melbourne man was left shocked and distressed after seeing a man wearing a swastika arm band at his local suburban fruit and vegetable market.
The incident, which occurred at the Moorabbin Wholesale Farmer Fresh market on Friday afternoon shortly after 4pm, was reported to the Anti-Defamation Commission and the Victoria Police.
According to the Anti-Defamation Commission’s chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich, the man in his 40s, called Victoria Police at 4:18pm and was later called back and told there was nothing they could do as it was not against the law to wear a swastika.
“He was understandably shocked, this kind of thing should not be happening on the streets of Melbourne,” Dr Abramovich told SBS News.
In a statement to SBS News, a Victoria Police spokesperson said “At the time of the phone call the man described had already left the area and there were no reports of criminal activity”.
“Victoria Police respect the right of the community to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate people breaking the law or urging violence and hatred within our community,” the spokesperson said.
“We ask anyone who witnesses, or is subject to discrimination or victimisation on the basis of religious affiliation, sexuality, gender identity or race to inform police immediately.”
There are no Victorian or federal laws banning the display of Nazi symbols.
Victoria Police said depending on the intent of the individual, other laws may apply.
Dr Abramovich said the incident highlighted the need for new laws in Victoria to outlaw hate symbols such as swastikas.
“Australian Nazis should not be allowed to intimidate anyone, and it is simply unacceptable to think that in Melbourne, neo-Nazi thugs have a license to openly brandish this symbol of extermination and evil, knowing full well that Victoria Police is powerless to stop them,” he said.
