Intelligence Committee Deputy Calls Out PM For Weak Leadership on Antisemitism, Enabling Terror Attack in the Heart of Melbourne
Deputy Chair of Parliament’s powerful intelligence and security committee has called out the Prime Minister and the Federal Labor Government for failing to act on antisemitism, allowing hate to fester from the dark recesses of the internet to an act of terror in the heart of Melbourne.
Andrew Wallace, the Chair of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus, previously condemned the Prime Minister for his systematic campaign against Israel and the Jewish people, which has divided Australians and incited the very worst kind of anƟsemiƟsm and hate. Mr Wallace also criticised the Federal Labor Government for their reckless endorsement of unilateral Palestinian sovereignty in the UN in the wake of the October 7 attacks which claimed the lives of 1200 men, women and children, and which saw 251 hostages taken – many of whom were tortured, some sexually and then executed.
"The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne is a stark reminder of the dangers of unbridled antisemitism and weak leadership, reminiscent of Kristallnacht and the pogroms of Nazi Germany," Mr Wallace said. "This cowardly act of violence sought to instil fear and send a political message, targeting a place of worship built by Holocaust survivors. It is a direct assault on our values and the Jewish community."
“Of course this is a terror incident. It was a violent act done with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause. It was done with the intention to intimidate the Jewish community or influence by intimidation the government. It endangered the life of the people within the synagogue. It caused serious damage to property. It is as plain as the nose on your face.”
Mr Wallace welcomed the progress in the investigation, noting that three suspects have been identified. He also welcomed the Federal Labor Government’s commitment to provide $32.5 million in security funding to Jewish community sites – requested by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry – while calling for the scope of the funding to be expanded so as to include security infrastructure and personnel for schools, synagogues and other sites. The Sunshine Coast MP criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his senior ministers for failing to visit the site of the attack in a show of support.
“They didn’t show up after October 7. They refused to act when terror apologists paraded through our streets and universities. Once again, Anthony Albanese and his reckless Labor Government are missing in action when strong leadership is needed the most." Mr Wallace highlighted the importance of social cohesion and strong leadership, accusing the Prime Minister of dividing Australians by race and religion over the past two and a half years. "Anthony Albanese has spent his time in office dividing Australians, and abandoning Israel and the Jewish people. government that is not afraid to stand up to antisemitism and political extremism – and the vested interests which perpetuate them."
Mr Wallace also praised Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, for his firm stance on antisemitism: "Peter Dutton has led from the front, showing a strong and unwavering stance against antisemitism. We need more of this kind of strong leadership and strong values, not the mealy-mouthed words of the Prime Minister. Talk is cheap."
Mr Wallace also pointed out that the Coalition had put practical measures on the table to combat antisemitism, including:
Establishing a dedicated Antisemitism Taskforce comprising intelligence and law enforcement agencies;
Strengthening the character test under the Migration Act to allow the Government to deport non-citizens who perpetrate antisemitism;
Issuing a Ministerial Direction to the Australian Federal Police to prioritise antisemitic offences, including doxing, which have increased exponentially since the pro-Palestine protests of October 8, 2023;
Establishing a judicial inquiry into antisemitism on Australian campuses – the legislation for which was continually rejected by Labor and their allies in the Greens and Teal movements;
Expanding the scope of the $32.5 million funding package requested by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry;
Backing the Sydney Jewish Museum with $8.5 million to set up a new Centre of Jewish Life and Tolerance; and
Unapologetically fighting for Australian sovereignty, security, and standing on the world stage, by supporting Israel and the Jewish people in the fight against terror.
"The Jewish community deserves better. They deserve a government that will stand up, speak up, and show up for them. It's time for the Albanese Government to stop pandering to left-wing extremists, and start leading – or failing that, to call an election and get out of the way,” Mr Wallace concluded.
