Anti-hate taskforce to hear from LGBTQ community in wake of violent attacks

Victoria’s anti-hate taskforce will hear from members of the LGBTQ community and a new helpline will be established following a spate of targeted attacks and homophobic violence across Melbourne.

In a meeting to take place next month, the newly formed taskforce will hear from advocacy groups and peak bodies, which will speak on behalf of victims, as well as the state commissioner for LGBTIQA+ communities, Joe Ball.

“We are backing LGBTIQA+ communities with the care, compassion and dignity they deserve – and holding perpetrators to account,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

The anti-hate taskforce’s members include the premier, Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.

The number of disturbing so-called Grindr attacks are on the rise, whereby gay men on dating and hook-up sites have been lured to locations in Melbourne, bashed, robbed and filmed by offenders posing as legitimate dates.

Other cases involve a new form of homophobic violence, in which perpetrators are using apps such as TikTok to post and boast about their crimes.

Police said in May that at least 35 arrests had so far been made in Melbourne for assault, robbery, false imprisonment or even extortion of LGBTQ people.

“It makes me angry that this is something that we are having to see … that people in 2025 continue to be targeted for who they are, for who they love,” Allan said.

Allan said the helpline would send a message to the LGBTQ communities that they were not alone.

“Everyone in Victoria is free to be who they are and love who they want,” she said.

The helpline will provide callers with advice on their rights and how to report incidents to police, and connect them with medical, legal and counselling services.

Equity Minister Vicki Ward said the service would provide free and confidential support from trained LGBTQ professionals and would be delivered by community-based not-for-profit Switchboard Victoria through its Rainbow Door helpline.

“Rainbow Door has long been a trusted service for LGBTIQA+ communities,” she said.

“Expanding its reach to support people experiencing homophobic violence will make a real difference.”

The group’s chief executive, Jenna Tuke, said a fear of not being believed, blamed or losing control of the information around what happened to them were all barriers to accessing support.

“This situation is primed for victim-blaming narratives, which are likely to compound the fear of being outed or exposed,” Tuke said.

The anti-hate taskforce was formed in July in response to a spike in antisemitic attacks, including a synagogue arson. The July meeting focused on antisemitism, in consultation with the Jewish community.

The dedicated helpline is available on 1800 729 367, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. More information is available at switchboard.org.au

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