Strong emotions were evident in both the upper and lower chambers of parliament as politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, spoke out against antisemitism and pledged to oppose its increase.
During today’s session in the House of Representatives, Independent MP Allegra Spender put forward a motion to condemn the growing presence of antisemitism, denounce acts of antisemitism, and affirm that all members of parliament will collaborate to combat antisemitism.
“We, as representatives in this chamber and throughout various levels of government, bear the responsibility of ensuring the safety of our community, and this must be a priority for this parliament through legislative measures, law enforcement, educational initiatives, and the justice system,” she stated.
“We have a domestic terrorism crisis in this country,” Leeser said, before also criticising the government’s response against antisemitism.
Meanwhile, Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie became visibly emotional when she introduced the same motion against antisemitism in the Senate.
“The people who are doing this … you people are at the bottle of the barrel. You seriously are Australia’s scum and I will call you out for that today,” she said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stood up, acknowledging that the “distressing” rise in antisemitism and “vile acts of hate” is not just an attack on the Jewish community but also an attack on Australia.
“People in this country should not only be safe but should feel safe,” she said.
“It is important and appropriate that today across the chamber, we stand together to unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms, just as we should condemn hatred in all its forms directed at any group in our community.”
