Albanese government expresses concern about planned anti-Israel protests as politicians return to Parliament House

Sky News AU

a day ago

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has acknowledged government concern over planned anti-Israel protests at Parliament House.
Federal politicians will return to Canberra from Monday for the first sitting week of the new parliamentary term, with anti-Israel protests planned over the coming days.
Ms Rowland told Sky News Sunday Agenda that Australians have the right to protest, but said the government is hoping for calm amid heightened tensions in the capital.
'Well, obviously it is (a concern). We live in a free country where people are free to conduct this freedom of expression in that form,' she said.
'But obviously we don't want to see violence. I'm sure that we'll be briefed in due course as updates are available.'
Protest groups are expected to hold demonstrations outside parliament, with rallies flagged in response to the Albanese government's support of Israel.
The renewed focus on community safety and social division comes after the release of a major report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal.
The report warned antisemitism has 'reached a tipping point that threatens social harmony, undermines trust in institutions and marginalises Jewish Australian citizens'.
Shadow attorney general Julian Leeser has called on the government to fully implement all recommendations in the Segal report, including crackdowns at universities.
'There has been an attempt to silence Jewish academics, Jewish staff and Jewish students in recent times,' Mr Leeser told Sky News.
'And that just shouldn't be what universities are about.'
However, the Albanese government has come under criticism for delaying its response to some recommendations — particularly those relating to higher education.
Pressed on whether this delay was due to internal division or political sensitivity, Ms Rowland defended the government's approach.
'Look, I think (Education) Minister (Jason) Clare is undertaking this task as he sees fit, and he is doing that in a most excellent way,' she said.
"We do have... a number of aspects that go to social cohesion in our universities (which) demonstrates that we take this seriously."
She said her department had been involved in key policy areas such as anti-doxing legislation and laws criminalising nazi symbols and gestures.
'There are a number of recommendations that go to what I think is critical to support social cohesion in this area, and we will be examining that closely,' she said.
'Myself, as Attorney-General, I'll be doing that.'