Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has declared he will do “whatever it takes” to deport migrants who engage in antisemitic attacks and “hate our country,” even if it requires a constitutional referendum to amend citizenship laws.
Speaking at The Advertiser’s Future SA conference in Adelaide, Dutton condemned the rise of antisemitism in Australia, citing the recent controversy involving two Sydney nurses who made violent threats against Jewish patients in a recorded interview. The Liberal leader described these incidents as “the most shocking thing” he has witnessed in his lifetime.
The two nurses, Ahmed ‘Rashid’ Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, were filmed telling Israeli influencer Max Veifer that they would kill Jewish patients, with Nadir making a throat-slashing gesture. Both have since apologised through lawyers or family members, claiming their comments were either jokes or provoked.
Dutton seized on revelations that Nadir, an Afghan refugee, was granted Australian citizenship nearly five years ago, calling it an example of weaknesses in the migration system. He acknowledged that constitutional barriers currently make it difficult to strip citizenship but signalled his willingness to push for change.
“If somebody commits a terrorist act against our country, they have broken their allegiance,” Dutton said.
“We have laws that allow the stripping of citizenship for terrorist offences, but the High Court has limited their application.”
Dutton expressed deep concern over threats facing the Jewish community, recounting a visit to Sydney’s Central Synagogue.
“There are bombproof shelters, kids being pulled out of Jewish childcare centres, and people being doxed. This has no place in our country.”
He broadened his stance, vowing to protect all Australians from racial and religious hatred.
“Whether it’s the Jewish people, Indians, Greeks, Asian Australians, atheists, or Catholics, I will not stand by while a segment of our population is vilified.”
Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan reinforced Dutton’s hardline stance, outlining the Coalition’s plans to deport non-citizens involved in antisemitic acts. Speaking at Sky News Australia’s Antisemitism Summit, Dutton made it clear that non-citizens who spread hate “have no place in this country.”
Tehan revealed that under a Dutton-led government, a dedicated antisemitism task force—comprising the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, the Australian Border Force, and state police—would be established. The task force would identify visa holders involved in antisemitic acts for immediate deportation.
“If the Bankstown nurses had been non-citizens, we would have cancelled their visas and deported them,” Tehan told 3AW’s Tom Elliott.
“We will act decisively to stamp out antisemitism.”
Tehan confirmed that non-citizens would not need to be convicted of a crime to be deported. Instead, the Immigration or Home Affairs Minister would have the authority to make that determination.
“Blatant acts of antisemitism, as deemed by the AFP and intelligence agencies, would trigger deportation.”
The Coalition is also considering expanding deportation laws to target other forms of bigotry.
“If there were other forms of blatant prejudice, absolutely, we would look at those as well.”
Dutton conceded that constitutional limitations might hinder his proposed crackdown but maintained he was prepared to pursue a referendum if necessary.
“I am prepared to do what it takes to make our country safe and uphold the values of Australian citizenship,” he said.
“If we need to amend the Constitution, then I think that’s a debate our country is mature enough to have.”
The debate over deportation laws has intensified as the Senate considers the Albanese government’s proposed deportation bill. The bill, which could be put to a vote next week, has faced scrutiny from human rights groups, asylum seeker advocates, and members of the Greens, who have called for its outright rejection.
The Coalition is now in a pivotal position to demand amendments, support the bill alongside Labor, or block it entirely.
Tehan also signalled a broader effort to educate new migrants on Australian values before granting citizenship. “We want to ensure those who become Australians understand that antisemitism and racial hatred have no place in our country,” he said.
“There’s no reason why citizenship modules shouldn’t include education on the dangers of antisemitism.”
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