Victoria’s Labor government has created a new Commissioner for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism as part of its strategy to combat anti-Semitism and “stop harm before it occurs”.
Forensic psychologist Dr Kelly Mischel will oversee early intervention programs and “engage with communities” in order to stop radicalisation, the government said while announcing her appointment on Monday.
Dr Mischel has spent two decades assessing terrorists and “violent extremists” in jails and probation programs, including the state’s most high-profile terrorist, Abdul Nacer Benbrika, who was jailed for 18 years for planning a mass casualty terror attack in Melbourne.
The new role is part of Premier Jacinta Allan’s five-point response to the Bondi Islamic terrorist attack, which also includes new “hate speech” laws, more police powers, stronger gun laws, an anti-Semitism council, and legislation forcing social media companies to identify users.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said Dr Mischel would lead a state-wide effort to “address the drivers of radicalisation”.
“We must always remain vigilant against the threat of terrorism and violent extremism – Dr Mischel’s expertise will be critical to ensuring Victoria is doing everything possible to keep people safe,” he said.
“Violent extremism has no place in Victoria, and prevention starts with early intervention, strong partnerships and community‑led solutions,” Dr Mischel said.
She also told The Herald Sun the internet was “accelerating extremism by spreading conspiracy theories, amplifying disinformation, and speeding up radicalisation, undermining social cohesion in ways not seen before”.
“For these reasons, our focus is on early intervention programs and engaging communities to build resilience against radicalisation, including increasing digital literacy, promoting critical thinking, and strengthening social cohesion to prevent the spread of extremist influences before they escalate to harm,” she said.
Header image: Left, Dr Kelly Mischel (supplied). Right, Jacinta Allan visiting the Adass Israel Synagogue after an alleged arson attack (Facebook).
