Dutton promises new antisemitism taskforce after synagogue attack
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The news: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced, if elected, he would introduce a dedicated antisemitism taskforce which would be directed to refer any visa holders involved in acts of antisemitism for immediate cancellation and deportation.
The context: The Opposition 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 spokesperson James Paterson have also criticised Albanese’s response to the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Friday.
Dutton and Paterson announced on Monday morning a series of measures they would enact in government, including:
- Creating a new, dedicated Anti-Semitism Taskforce led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and incorporating the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and state police;
- Issuing a new Ministerial Direction to the AFP to prioritise addressing antisemitism, including any outstanding complaints and unsolved crimes against the Jewish community since 7 October 2023 including doxxing, public display of terrorist symbols, incitement, harassment, and other offences;
- Directing the Anti-Semitism Taskforce to refer any visa holders involved in acts of antisemitism for immediate cancellation and deportation; and
- Amending the section 501 character provisions of the Migration Act to ensure antisemitic conduct is captured by the law, and applies retrospectively for all acts of hatred towards the Jewish community since the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel.
What they said: “After more than a year of inaction and weakness from the Albanese Government on the growing antisemitism and extremism crisis facing Australia, a Dutton Coalition Government will take decisive action to tackle these threats and unite our country,” Dutton and Paterson said.
“The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue on Friday morning is the sadly predictable outcome of Labor’s failure to heed the warnings of the Australian Jewish community and the Coalition.
“Stronger action and stronger national leadership could have prevented this.”
The source: Peter Dutton's office
