‘We need leadership': Opposition leader to tour firebombed synagogue as Federal silence slammed after attacks

West Australian

2 days ago

Public concern about antisemitism is highest in WA, where residents are more likely to be aware of negative perceptions toward Jewish people, according to a new Combat Antisemitism survey.
It comes as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley prepares to visit a firebombed Melbourne synagogue on Tuesday following a spate of anti-Jewish attacks over the weekend.
The Liberal leader, joined by shadow legal affairs spokesman Julian Leeser, will meet with affected community members, as questions mount over the Prime Minister's response.
After issuing a brief statement on Saturday, Anthony Albanese left it to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and colleague Mark Dreyfus to front cameras while he attended a rugby match in Newcastle on Sunday.
On Monday, he did not visit the site but travelled to Canberra for a Cabinet meeting.
It came as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled a new government-led Anti-Hate Taskforce to review police powers.
Combat Antisemitism Movement chief executive Sacha Roytnam said that without strong federal leadership, responsibility was falling to state and local governments to respond.
It comes as mayors from across Australia prepare to attend Combat Antisemitism's dedicated summit in September to help councils combat anti-Jewish discrimination.
'The scenes in Melbourne over the weekend were shocking — a synagogue firebombed, Jewish diners assaulted, cars torched — all within hours.This isn't isolated,' Mr Roytnam said.
'It's part of a deeply troubling pattern of anti-Jewish hate that's escalating across Australia.
'Frankly, the federal response has not matched the seriousness of the threat.
'We need leadership, not just words — stronger laws, clear consequences, and a zero-tolerance approach to hate, no matter who it targets.'
Combat Antisemitism's June–July survey of 1000 Australians found one in ten witnessed or heard of local antisemitic incidents in the past year.
Several Opposition members have urged the government to hold a dedicated National Cabinet meeting to tackle the issue.
Former Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson on Monday urged the Albanese government to take stronger action, warning that ongoing attacks and protests require clear enforcement of the law.
'It's really time for the Prime Minister and the government to show leadership here,' he told ABC.
'This issue will continue to fester and get worse if it's not addressed and directly tackled head-on, and I want to see the government approach this with renewed vigour in this term.'
He said perpetrators must face consequences to send a message that such behaviour won't be tolerated.
University of Sydney Law School professor Tyrone Kirchengast said such a meeting could help address legal gaps across jurisdictions.
'What we're seeing is this traditional piecemeal approach between the Commonwealth and the States,' he said.
'I think what it's saying to the community is that there is a confused approach.
'The Commonwealth might have offenses but it's usually left to the States to police them,
which means you're going to get inconsistent and uneven policing between the States.
'Then, of course, you've got inconsistent and uneven powers regarding protests.
'There's a way of perhaps bringing it before a National Cabinet.
'The other ways to potentially do it is with an agreement as to enforcing federal criminal law with regard to hate speech more consistently and evenly across the States.'
While he welcomed Victoria's taskforce, Prof. Kirchengast said it diverts state resources and suggested federal funding for a similar dedicated group as an alternative.
Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee.
The group was having Shabbat dinner, marking the beginning of the Jewish day of rest, when the attack took place at 8 pm.
The latest flashpoint included an attack on Israeli restaurant Miznon, where a group reportedly chanted 'Death to the IDF,' mirroring a controversial performance by UK rap duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival.
Asked on Monday whether Victoria would consider protest permit rules similar to those in NSW, Ms Allan said her government was implementing a broader suite of measures.
La Trobe University Institute for Human Security Emeritus Professor Dennis Altman said he didn't expect the government's response to go beyond its current approach.
'I don't think we can expect more. I mean, the problem is people keep calling for our politicians to do more without being very clear what it is they are able to do,' he said.
'I'm not quite sure what a government is able to do except prosecute people, which they certainly are going to do under already existing laws.'
Instead, he called for a 'thought through careful strategy' involving education programs in schools and universities, arguing the current style of protesting was often 'counterproductive.'