Melton MP Don Nardella has called on what he says are “extremist organisations” to stop whipping up racist sentiment in his electorate.
And he told them “a primary school is not a battleground” after a Star Weekly report of plans for an Islamic primary school at Victoria University’s Melton campus drew an angry response.
Following the article, an online petition and a Facebook page opposing the school has attracted more than 1000 ‘likes’.
Comments on social media urged the state government to “stop facilitating the spread of Islam by approving mosques, Islamic schools and Islamic centres all over our state, including Melton”.
The Facebook page, which declares its allegiance to the United Patriots Front, a far-right-wing group opposing immigration, multiculturalism and Islam, called on readers to contact Mr Nardella to air their concerns.
The Facebook page was set up on October 12 because the administrator claimed to be “scared” of Muslim leaders being elected to Melton council and did not want “Islam growing any further in our community”.
‘Schools aren’t battlegrounds’
Speaking to Star Weekly last week, Mr Nardella urged these “extremist outside organisations” to stop causing tension in his electorate.
“This is a primary school and people need to understand a primary school is not a battleground,” he said.
“These children and staff have every right, like any child and any teacher in any other school, to be educated wherever they want.”
Mr Nardella said the language used on the Facebook page, which
Star Weekly has chosen not to name, was “absolutely inappropriate, divisive and conflictual”.
Celebrating diversity
A Victoria University spokeswoman said staff noticed “unauthorised signage” at the campus two weeks ago and police and Melton council were notified.
“Victoria University proudly celebrates its rich diversity, directly reflecting the population in its west-of-Melbourne heartland,” the spokeswoman said.
“At VU graduation ceremonies … a plethora of cultures, religions, ages and races is represented in a communal celebration of success.
“Melbourne’s western suburbs have become renowned for strong communities of varied culture.
“The staff and student bodies of VU reflect and value this.”
