2026-09-11
A Victorian Greens-initiated parliamentary inquiry into anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes yesterday handed down its final report, exposing the role of online radicalisation, misogyny and toxic masculinity in fuelling hate.
Established following a spike in targeted attacks, including LGBTQIA+ people being lured through dating apps before being assaulted, robbed and threatened, the inquiry heard directly from victims and community about what is driving the violence and how to prevent it.
The report calls for a greater focus on prevention, including early intervention, inclusive education and tackling online radicalisation, alongside improved responses and support for victims. It also calls for stronger accountability for dating apps and social media companies, including a federal inquiry into dating-app safety and a mandatory Online Dating Code, while protecting the anonymity of LGBTQIA+ users.
Quotes attributable to the Victorian Greens LGBTQIA+ Equality spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli MP:
“LGBTQIA+ Victorians came before this inquiry and spoke truth to power, sharing shocking experiences of violence, hatred and fear. Labor now has a responsibility to listen to them and act.
“We know where this hate ends - with LGBTQIA+ people being lured, bashed and terrorised. This inquiry has done the vital work in exposing where it starts: in misogyny, toxic masculinity, online radicalisation and anti-LGBTQIA+ hate that has been allowed to fester.
“For too long governments have waited until someone gets hurt and responded with a knee-jerk introduction of another offence. These attacks are already crimes. You cannot arrest your way out of hate - you have to stop it taking hold in the first place.
“This report gives Labor a roadmap to do exactly that. The Greens are calling on the government to adopt the recommendations and fund the prevention, early intervention, education, community services and victim support needed to make LGBTQIA+ people safer.
“Labor should back the inquiry’s call for Federal action on dating apps and social media companies, including mandatory safety standards and real accountability, while protecting the anonymity that many LGBTQIA+ people rely on to stay safe.
“Political leaders also need to reckon with their own role. Every time anti-LGBTQIA+ hatred is indulged, dismissed or used as a political football, it creates more fertile ground for radicalisation.
“The Greens fought to establish this inquiry because LGBTQIA+ people deserve more than sympathy after an attack. We want action that stops the next attack from happening.
“Labor now has the report. There is no excuse for putting it on a shelf. The Greens will fight to get these recommendations implemented and funded, and we’ll stand alongside LGBTQIA+ people every vote, every time.”