Antisemitism taskforce created in wake of synagogue firebombing
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed a new federal police antisemitism taskforce as the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne has been declared a likely terrorist attack.
The context: Albanese confirmed the creation of the new taskforce headed by the Australian Federal Police in a press conference in Canberra on Monday afternoon, naming the Friday synagogue firebombing, the Woolahra vandalism in November and the defacing of Jewish MP Josh Burns’ office as the impetus behind the enhanced police response.
Albanese’s announcement came after Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Friday’s arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue is being treated as a likely terrorism incident.
Patton said the force was pursuing three suspects in the case concerning the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue.
Earlier, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced that he would create a dedicated antisemitism taskforce which would be directed to refer any visa holders involved in acts of antisemitism for immediate cancellation and deportation.
Dutton has been deeply critical of the Albanese’s handling of antisemitism in the community in the wake of the October 7 attacks and Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza.
Dutton and his home affairs spokesman James Paterson have also criticised Albanese’s response to the firebombing of the synagogue in Melbourne on Friday.
What they said: “Our world-class agencies will provide all the support necessary to find the perpetrators and ensure they face the full force of the law,” Albanese said.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Reece Kershaw said: “In essence, they will be a flying squad to deploy nationally to incidents. [It] will include [incidents of] urging violence against members or groups, advocating terrorism, advocating genocide, using a carriage service to make a threat, and using a carriage service to menace or harass”.
“I want to assure the Jewish community that the AFP will continue to provide capability and resources to state and territory police. However, from today, the AFP will take a greater role. The AFP will not tolerate crimes that undermine Australia’s security or our way of life.”
The source: Parliament House
