A prominent Perth rabbi has publicly criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his government's refusal to establish a Royal Commission into antisemitism. This rebuke follows private warnings the religious leader delivered to the PM earlier in the year about escalating community fears.
Rabbi's Direct Warning to the Prime Minister
Rabbi Daniel Lieberman of the Dianella Hebrew Congregation revealed he had met with Mr Albanese in February 2024. During that meeting, he directly warned the Prime Minister about the growing terrorism concerns within the Australian Jewish community. Rabbi Lieberman stated he expressed fears that the community was "heading towards another terrorist event" due to the intense climate of hate and antisemitism.
The rabbi's stark warning came months before the federal government's decision, announced by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, not to pursue a Royal Commission specifically into antisemitism. Instead, the government has pointed to the existing Australian Human Rights Commission inquiry led by former Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan.
Government's Stance and Community Backlash
The government has defended its position, arguing a broad-ranging Royal Commission into antisemitism could inadvertently "create divisions within the Australian community". Officials have emphasised their support for the Human Rights Commission process and other measures to combat hatred.
However, this reasoning has failed to satisfy Rabbi Lieberman and other community leaders. The rabbi contends that the government's response is insufficient given the severity of the threat. He argues that a full Royal Commission, with its powers to compel testimony and evidence, is necessary to properly investigate the sources, funding, and organisation of antisemitic activity in Australia.
Key facts from the original report include:
- Rabbi Lieberman warned PM Albanese of terrorism fears in February 2024.
- The Attorney-General confirmed the Royal Commission rejection in late 2024.
- The government is supporting the Human Rights Commission inquiry as an alternative.
- The Jewish community has reported a significant spike in antisemitic incidents.
Implications and Mounting Pressure
The public criticism from a respected Perth community figure adds to the political pressure on the Albanese government regarding its handling of social cohesion and national security. It highlights a perceived gap between the government's policy approach and the acute anxieties felt on the ground within vulnerable communities.
Rabbi Lieberman's decision to speak out underscores the depth of frustration. His actions suggest that private consultations have not led to the decisive action he and others believe is critical for community safety. The situation continues to develop as Jewish groups and other stakeholders assess the effectiveness of the government's chosen pathways to address racial and religious hatred.
