Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemns suspected arson attack, visits Melbourne synagogue

Sky News AU

16 hours ago

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will visit the Melbourne synagogue targeted in a suspected arson attack.
Mr Burke will attend the site on Sunday after a man allegedly attempted to set the building on fire with people inside on Friday night.
In a joint statement, Mr Burke and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly expressed horror over the suspected attack, which saw a man allegedly set fire to the entrance of the East Melbourne Synagogue.
There were approximately 20 people, including children, inside the synagogue at the time of the incident taking part in Shabbat.
Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit have since charged a 34-year-old Toongabbie man.
'I condemn last night's disgusting attack in the strongest possible terms. Australians have a right to feel safe and protected from violence and bigotry,' Mr Burke said.
'I was briefed by the acting head of ASIO and the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, as well as the Victorian Minister for Police Anthony Carbines,.
'I've also spoken to the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, and the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Stephanie Foster.'
Ms Aly said the government 'condemns these kinds of violent acts of hatred' as she reiterated support for the Jewish community.
'All Australians have a right to safety. Acts of antisemitism violate that right and should face the full force of the law,' she said.
'The government will continue to work with the special envoy on measures to prevent these vile and cowardly attacks.'
Police have alleged that an unknown man entered the grounds of the Albert Street synagogue about 8pm on Friday night.
The man poured a flammable liquid over the front entrance, setting it alight before fleeing on foot in a westerly direction.
No one was injured in the incident, and the fire – attended to by emergency services – was contained to the front door.
Victoria Police confirmed the investigation was ongoing and said they are 'engaging with people from the synagogue'.
'There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour,' police said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin told Sky News the attack marked 'a return to the antisemitic terror of the summer months'.
'These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the antisemitism crisis is not only continuing, but getting worse,' he said.
'We urge all sides of politics and all Australians to condemn these deplorable crimes… Those responsible cannot be reasoned with or appeased.
'They must be confronted with the full force of the law.'
The federal opposition has also condemned the attack and called on the government to step up efforts to prevent antisemitism.
'Our Jewish community lives under an increasing threat and we have not seen sufficient action or urgency from the Albanese government,' opposition leader Sussan Ley said.
'The Coalition wrote to the Prime Minister on 15 June calling for strengthened security protections for Jewish communities.
'We have not received any response and we have not seen the strong action we need. The opposition calls on the Prime Minister to take stronger action.
'We will not step back from criticising this clear failure from a Prime Minister who has gone missing when these Australians need him.'
Mr Burke said the government had earlier introduced 'tough new measures to punish anyone convicted of carrying out violent crimes motivated by bigotry'.
The synagogue involved, also known as the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, is one of the oldest in Australia, with a rich history dating back to 1841.
Police have appealed for information as they search for the alleged offender.