The Prime Minister today convened a meeting to address rising incidents of antisemitism in the community with Premier Allan of Victoria, Acting Premier Sharpe of New South Wales and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM.
All three governments agreed to continue working relentlessly together to stop these incidents and to ensure that those responsible are found and face the full force of the law. This has involved information sharing between law enforcement agencies, updating legislation and jointly supporting affected communities.
The Prime Minister emphasised to both the Premier of Victoria and Acting Premier of New South Wales that the Commonwealth stands ready to assist with whatever they require.
The Prime Minister stated he will continue to work closely with the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal AO, who in a conversation today supported this intergovernmental discussion.
All three governments committed to regular conversations between leaders and agreed on the value of federal and state Police Commissioners engaging directly with the community.
The Albanese Government unequivocally condemns antisemitism.
The rise of antisemitism is abhorrent and there is no place for the kind of hate speech and attacks we have seen recently in our country.
It’s why we’re taking action to stamp out the scourge of antisemitism.
This includes:
- Setting up AFP Special Operation Avalite to crack down on antisemitism, threats, violence and hatred towards the Australian Jewish Community.
- Since Operation Avalite was established the AFP has received 124 reports, with 102 under investigation.
- Introducing a landmark ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols which came into effect in January 2024.
- Appointing Jillian Segal AO as Australia’s first Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
- Criminalising doxxing – the malicious release of personal information.
- Legislating to appoint Australia’s first National Student Ombudsman.
- Committing $25 million for improved safety and security at Jewish sites across the country, including schools, in the weeks following the 7 October terrorist.
- Funding an additional $32.5 million for security measures for schools and synagogues.
- $250,000 towards the replacement and restoration of Torah Scrolls housed in the Adass Israel Synagogue.
- Introducing legislation to Parliament to criminalise hate speech, including the urging or threatening of force or violence against individuals or groups because of who they are or what they believe.
Referred antisemitism in Australian universities to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights for inquiry.