Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton has accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of failing to address the alarming rise in antisemitism, claiming incidents have surged by over 700%. Dutton tweeted:
“When vile acts unfolded at the Sydney Opera House, strong leadership could have stopped the spread of hate. Instead, Australians were met with weakness from the Prime Minister.”
Dutton revealed he had written to the Prime Minister in November 2023, urging a National Cabinet meeting to tackle the issue, only to be rebuffed. He reiterated his request this week, stating, “Enough is enough.”
In response, Prime Minister Albanese convened a meeting with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Acting NSW Premier Prue Car, and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
The leaders pledged to strengthen their joint efforts to combat antisemitism, promising swift action to hold offenders accountable. This includes enhanced information sharing, legislative updates, and ongoing support for affected communities.
The Albanese Government outlined several measures being implemented:
- AFP Special Operation Avalite: Targeting antisemitic threats and violence, with 124 reports received and 102 under investigation since its launch.
- Legislation: Banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols (January 2024) and introducing laws criminalising hate speech and doxxing.
- Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism: Jillian Segal AO appointed to lead national efforts.
- Community support funding: $57.5 million allocated for security upgrades at Jewish sites, including schools and synagogues.
- Human Rights Inquiry: Investigating antisemitism in Australian universities.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt warned perpetrators:
“Antisemites should be on notice. If you engage in antisemitic conduct, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
A 44-year-old Blacktown man was arrested Thursday for allegedly making death threats against members of the Australian Jewish Association. The suspect, charged with using a carriage service to make a threat to kill and to harass, faces up to 15 years in prison.
The arrest follows the December arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, which prompted the establishment of Operation Avalite. AFP has deployed 21 officers and analysts nationwide to investigate hate crimes, including incitement to violence, terrorism advocacy, and online threats.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the surge in antisemitism, stating, “There is no place for such hate in Australia.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with state leaders and police to ensure Jewish Australians feel safe and supported.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon
