Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has escalated her criticism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's handling of anti-Semitism, announcing the formation of a dedicated Coalition taskforce to push for stronger action against hate and extremism.
A Taskforce Born from 'Public Anger'
Sussan Ley declared that "Australians are angry" and that anti-Semitism has been allowed to fester for too long. She positioned the new body as a direct response to what the Coalition views as a failure by the federal government to take early and decisive steps following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
"What we saw at Bondi is the consequence of failure to confront extremism early and decisively," Ms Ley stated, linking the issue directly to the recent Bondi Beach terrorist attack. She argued that "Australians deserve more than words," promising her taskforce would deliver "action, protection and leadership."
Albanese Defends Record, Calls for Unity
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese firmly rejected suggestions his government has been passive. He defended his record and sought to frame the issue as one requiring national cohesion rather than political point-scoring.
"This is not a time for politics. This is a time for national unity," Mr Albanese said. He insisted that eradicating anti-Semitism was "front and centre" at a recent snap national cabinet meeting and dismissed a media report claiming state leaders had to push him for tangible steps as "not accurate."
The Prime Minister referenced "ongoing work" including moves to ban hate speech and fund education programs, and reiterated his vow to do "whatever is necessary to stamp out anti-Semitism."
Taskforce Focus and Key Recommendations
The Coalition's anti-Semitism, extremism and counterterrorism taskforce is a subcommittee of the shadow cabinet. Its members include:
- Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Senator Michaela Cash
- Opposition home affairs spokesman Senator Jonno Duniam
- Opposition finance spokesman Senator James Paterson
- Opposition education spokesman Julian Leeser
- Opposition attorney-general Andrew Wallace
- Opposition spokeswoman on infrastructure, transport and regional development Bridget McKenzie
The group is scheduled to meet with the government's Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, on Wednesday. Its mandate is to identify weaknesses in Australia's counter-terrorism framework and propose ways to disrupt extremist networks.
A central demand from the Coalition is the full implementation of the Segal report, published in July. Key recommendations include tying government funding for universities, the arts, and cultural institutions to measures that eradicate anti-Semitism as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)—a definition that is itself subject to debate.
Ms Ley stated unequivocally, "Jewish Australians should never have to look over their shoulder in their own country. Restoring safety and confidence is non-negotiable."
Context of Rising Threat
The political manoeuvring occurs against a stark backdrop of increased threat. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warned in February that anti-Semitism had become the single greatest threat to loss of life in Australia.
Since the October 7 attacks, there has been a significant escalation in anti-Semitic incidents locally, including firebombings of Jewish-owned businesses, homes, and synagogues. Concerns were raised immediately by the Jewish community as hate-filled chants were heard at pro-Palestine protests at landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and on university campuses.
Notably absent from the new taskforce is former opposition home affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie, who resigned from the frontbench in October over immigration policy differences. Mr Hastie has separately called for a rethink of Australia's immigration laws following the Bondi attack.
Ms Ley maintained that her focus was squarely on national security. "It is not a debate about politics or slogans. It is about keeping Australians safe," she said, adding that the Coalition stands ready to support any "serious and effective action" from the government.
