In a series of pointed letters to the editor, readers of The Canberra Times have voiced profound concerns over Australia's social and political climate, arguing that the response to the Bondi massacre misses the core issue and that the government is failing to address a rising tide of anti-Semitism.
Bondi Tragedy Sparks Debate on Anti-Semitism, Not Gun Laws
Steve Ellis's recent letter, which argued it is "absurd" to criticise the federal government for the Bondi massacre given Australia's strict gun laws, has found a measure of agreement. However, correspondent Rose Lai from Hawker shifts the focus, stating the "real grievance" lies in the government's inadequate response to anti-Semitism since the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
Lai accuses the administration of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of refusing a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism on university campuses, failing to curb anti-Israel incitement, and doing little to implement the recommendations from its own anti-Semitism envoy's report, released five months prior.
Echoing themes of conflict, John Mosig from Kew, Victoria, agrees with another reader that Australia is effectively at war on multiple fronts. "We are at war on so many fronts," Mosig writes, citing political warfare, social disenfranchisement, criminal gang turf wars, and describing the Bondi massacre as a "religious war we thought we'd left behind."
ACT Remuneration Commission Labelled a "Farce"
A separate critique targets the workings of government commissions. Ric Hingee from Duffy launches a strong rebuke of the ACT Remuneration Commission, labelling it and its federal counterpart a "farce." The commission, which sets salaries for ACT ministers and senior public figures, is criticised for creating a "self-perpetuating spiral" of high executive pay that drives up private sector salaries and government debt.
Hingee argues for the inclusion of charity chief executives on the panel to bring a more grounded perspective on appropriate remuneration, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Calls for Police Action and New Forms of Recognition
Other letters call for concrete action on specific issues. Ernst Willheim of Campbell urges police to pay closer attention to protest chants that allegedly call for killings and gassing, suggesting potential prosecutions for incitement. "Protesting against wars... is perfectly legitimate. But surely chants calling for killings and gassing are not," he states.
Meanwhile, John Munro from Campbell proposes the creation of a new national award. While acknowledging community suggestions that Ahmed el Ahmed be named Australian of the Year, Munro suggests a new, non-annual category to recognise "a unique and heroic contribution to uniting communities" across all divides, hoping it is a concept political leaders can unite behind.
The collective voice from these letters paints a picture of a readership deeply engaged with issues of social cohesion, government accountability, and the specific challenges facing the Jewish community in contemporary Australia.
