Treasurer Jim Chalmers has criticised former Prime Minister John Howard for his comments on the government's handling of anti-Semitism, calling them inappropriate in the wake of a mass shooting. Mr Chalmers told the ABC that he cannot understand why politicians are scoring political points after the Bondi terror attack.
Mr Howard had argued that the government's focus on gun law reform was a distraction from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's failure to provide moral leadership in denouncing anti-Semitism since the October 7 attacks. In response, Mr Chalmers said the government is capable of addressing both issues simultaneously and that Mr Howard, of all people, should understand the importance of tightening gun laws.
The Treasurer also addressed concerns from the Jewish community and former security chiefs, who have criticised the government's response. Mr Chalmers acknowledged the community's anger and listed actions taken by the government, including new sanctions on terror, a ban on the Nazi salute, criminalising doxing, and increased security funding for schools and synagogues.
Later today, Mr Chalmers will hand down the mid-year budget update, known as MYEFO, amid ongoing debates over national security and social cohesion.
