Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced a blistering critique for his perceived failure to address what commentator Paul Murray describes as a 'festering, un-Australian hatred' directed at Israel. The criticism centres on the government's response to escalating public and institutional sentiment following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
A Failure of Leadership in a Time of Crisis
In a scathing opinion piece, Sky News host Paul Murray argues that the Prime Minister has done 'nothing' to stop a dangerous tide of anti-Israel sentiment from taking root in Australian society. Murray points to the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks, where Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took more than 200 hostages. He contends that while the world should have universally condemned this act of terrorism, a disturbing narrative quickly took hold in some Australian circles.
Instead of a clear moral stance, Murray asserts that Albanese offered 'weak, both-sides-ism'. The government's initial statements, calling for 'restraint' from Israel as it responded to the massacre, are framed as a pivotal misstep. This approach, according to the critique, effectively equated the actions of a terrorist organisation with the defensive measures of a sovereign nation, thereby lending implicit credibility to growing anti-Israel protests and rhetoric.
Institutional Sentiment and the 'River of Filth'
The analysis extends beyond street protests to highlight a concerning shift within Australian institutions. Murray singles out the Australian National University (ANU), where a motion was passed by the students' association effectively blaming Israel for the Hamas attacks. He describes the public discourse that has emerged since October 7 as a 'river of filth', accusing the Prime Minister of allowing it to flow unchecked.
The piece underscores a specific incident where pro-Palestinian protesters targeted the Sydney Opera House on October 9, chanting inflammatory slogans. The perceived slow and equivocal response from political leaders, including the Prime Minister, to such events is presented as evidence of a leadership vacuum. Murray argues that this inaction has emboldened elements within the community, including some unions and academic groups, to adopt and promote a one-sided, antagonistic view against Israel.
The Consequences of Political Inaction
The core of the accusation is that Anthony Albanese's Labor government has prioritised domestic political harmony over moral clarity. By attempting to navigate a middle path to avoid alienating certain voter bases within the party's constituency, the Prime Minister is alleged to have compromised Australia's traditional stance as a steadfast ally of democratic nations.
Murray's commentary concludes that this failure to lead has allowed a toxic and divisive sentiment to 'fester'. The result, he warns, is a more polarised Australian public square where extremist views gain traction. The article serves as a stark rebuke of the government's foreign policy communication and its role in shaping national discourse, holding the Prime Minister directly responsible for the atmosphere he claims has been permitted to develop.
Ultimately, the critique paints a picture of a leadership team unwilling to confront uncomfortable truths for fear of political fallout. The charge is not merely one of policy disagreement but of a fundamental failure in moral leadership during a period of international conflict, with lasting implications for social cohesion in Australia.
