Today, the Coalition has announced new action to combat rising anti-Semitism. Where the Albanese Government has shown weakness and failed to combat extremism, a Dutton Coalition Government will show strength and act.
The firebombing of cars and targeting of homes in Sydney last week follows the horrific attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December in what is now a clear campaign of terror.
Under Labor, the Jewish community feels under siege and abandoned.
Last week, the Prime Minister again refused to convene a National Cabinet in response to the attacks in Sydney.
Today we commit that, if elected, a Dutton Coalition Government will:
Take a national leadership role expected of the Commonwealth Government, including convening a National Cabinet to combat anti-Semitism and extremism.
Strengthen the sentencing regime for terrorism by legislating for a mandatory minimum term of 6 years imprisonment for all acts of terrorism under Commonwealth law.
Amend draft laws currently before the parliament to make it a hate crime to urge or threaten violence towards a place of worship; punishable by imprisonment for 5 years or 7 years in the case of an aggravated offence.
Introduce mandatory minimum sentences of 12 months imprisonment for the public display of prohibited Nazi symbols, prohibited terrorist organisation symbols, and giving the Nazi salute in public, and increase the maximum penalty to 5 years imprisonment.
The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, said "The shocking rise in anti-Semitism in our country is a national crisis which requires a national response. I first requested the PM convene a National Cabinet on anti-Semitism in November 2023. He failed to do so. Last week I again wrote to him requesting a National Cabinet on this most pressing matter yet he still evades his responsibility."
"The Prime Minister talks about taking "action" but real action has been missing from this Prime Minister. The time for talk is over, so today we announce measures that a Dutton Coalition Government will undertake to stop this vile scourge of anti-Semitism in our country in its tracks. If the PM won't show the strong leadership our country needs, then we will," Mr Dutton said.
Shadow Attorney-General, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, said "We must stamp out anti-Semitism in Australia. The Albanese Labor Government's weakness has allowed anti-Semitism to run out of control in Australia to the point where we are now experiencing acts of outright terrorism. A clear and strong message needs to be sent to those who perpetrate such evil acts and that is exactly what these proposed new laws do."
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator James Paterson, said "A campaign of terror has been unleashed on the Australian Jewish community and those responsible have clearly been emboldened by the weakness of the Albanese Labor Government. Only strong action and real consequences for the perpetrators will bring this to an end. We are sending a clear message today that these acts of terrorism will not be tolerated on the watch of a Dutton Coalition Government."
A Dutton Coalition Government will take the strong action required to end the vile scourge of anti-Semitism afflicting our country which has festered for too long and which threatens the safety of our communities. Enough is enough.
