Tensions escalated in the Australian Parliament as leaders from both major parties condemned the recent rise in antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton highlighted the urgent need to address this issue, labelling it a “national crisis.” Independent MP Allegra Spender introduced a motion in the House of Representatives, urging all parliamentarians to unite against antisemitism, stressing the responsibility of the government to safeguard the community through legislation, policing, and education.
Albanese declared that antisemitism has no place in Australia, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the Jewish community and maintaining social harmony. Dutton remarked on an unprecedented escalation of hatred and racism, indicating a failure by the government to respond effectively to recent antisemitic incidents, spurred by protests following the October 7 Hamas attack.
Both Jewish MPs, Josh Burns and Julian Leeser, expressed the deep impact of these antisemitic acts on their communities. Spender’s motion aimed to reinforce hate crime legislation, and Sen. Jacqui Lambie emotionally stressed the moral imperative to condemn such hatred. Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed this sentiment, underscoring that the rise in antisemitism is not only an affront to the Jewish community but to all Australians, advocating for collective action against all forms of hate.