The first recipient is the Sri Durga Temple in Deanside, which will get $1 million. Carroll made the announcement during a visit to the temple.
MELBOURNE, 1 November 2026 — Victorian Premier Ben Carroll today announced an $11 million Temple and Gurdwara Safety Fund to help Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras install security upgrades.
The fund will cover fencing, maintenance, renovations and car parks. The first recipient is the Sri Durga Temple in Deanside, which will receive $1 million. Carroll made the announcement during a visit to the temple today.
The timing is significant with Victoria heading to a state election on 28 November, amid anti-immigration rallies across Australia. One was held at Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station today, countered by an anti-racism rally at the State Library.
With the Indian community among Victoria’s fastest growing, both Labor and the Coalition are courting multicultural voters ahead of the poll. The contest is further complicated by the rise of One Nation, which is seeking to break the two-party system with a campaign centred on what leader Pauline Hanson calls a “mono-culture”, in contrast to bipartisan multiculturalism.
Addressing Celebrate India’s 21st Diwali at Federation Square on 31 October, Multicultural Minister Paul Edbrooke, representing the Premier, said: “In Victoria our diversity is our great strength.”“We are proud to stand with Victoria’s Indian and South Asian communities and the safety and security of their families,” Carroll said.
“Labor will help all communities across Victoria feel safe and secure, with practical funds for safety upgrades. The alternative is a Liberal-One Nation Coalition Government making $40 billion in cuts.”
