Albanese admits government ‘must do more’ to fight antisemitism
Wong met with Segal on Tuesday evening and told ABC Radio National on Wednesday morning that the government and society must take action on antisemitism.
“We have taken many actions, including criminalizing hate speech, but I want to tell you that we all understand we need to do more. We are dedicating every resource necessary to make sure Australian Jews are safe and protected,” he said.
Jillian Segal, special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, after submitting her report on anti-Semitism to the federal government in July.Credit: Dylan Coker
The government did not officially respond to Segal’s report in July, which included 49 recommendations to combat antisemitism. Wong said an official response was a matter for the prime minister.
Speaking at a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday, Albanese rejected claims his government had failed to act on the report and said the government was “busy implementing” its recommendations
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles shared similar sentiments with Wong and Albanese in his statement to Seven’s. Sunrise On Wednesday: “We need to do more, we will do more. That’s very clear. But as I said, this is not something that will be solved overnight.”
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Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stepped up her attack on the government’s record on Tuesday evening, with National Party leader David Littleproud saying “Labour has ignored input from the public.”
In a statement announcing the establishment of the Coalition taskforce to combat antisemitism, Ley said the Bondi attack was a direct result of the government’s “failure to tackle extremism early and decisively”.
“No Australian should feel unsafe practicing their faith, sending their children to school or coming together as a community. Australian Jews should never have to look over their shoulders in their own country. Restoring safety and trust is non-negotiable,” Ley said in a statement.
The task force will include foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash, home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam, education spokesman Julian Leeser, as well as Ley and three other leading figures.
Josh Burns, one of Labor’s leading Jewish MPs, said the government must ensure Australians feel safe in their country.
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Burns told Sky News on Tuesday evening: “Obviously there are things we need to learn from Sunday and we are allowing that investigation to continue across society more broadly. Where antisemitism occurs it must be confronted and tackled head on.”
Burns defended the government’s track record on immigration and said the debate should not be limited to finger-pointing at immigrants.
“We are a country built on immigration, and a large portion of the Jewish community is either immigrants or refugees, and that includes my family,” Burns said. “My grandmother came to this country as a refugee… Many people from different communities all over the country did the same.”
A funeral ceremony will be held on Wednesday for those who lost their lives in the attack. Ley will attend Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s funeral. Albanese said he would attend events to which he was invited.
More news on the Bondi terror
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