Sussan Ley has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to urgently reconvene federal parliament and initiate a federal investigation into antisemitism. This plea coincides with the two-week anniversary of the tragic Bondi massacre, where alleged ISIS-inspired terrorists opened fire at a Chanukah festival on December 14.
A coalition of voices, including the Coalition, various Jewish groups, and several parliamentarians, is advocating for a federal royal commission to address racial hatred against Jews. Despite the growing pressure, Prime Minister Albanese has dismissed the need for such an extensive inquiry, highlighting the adequacy of state royal commissions, which will include input from Commonwealth authorities. He has expressed concerns that the lengthy process of a royal commission is not suitable given the urgent need for immediate actions to ensure the safety of Jewish Australians.
While Albanese has not excluded the possibility of recalling parliament during the summer break, he emphasized that the complexity of the federal laws currently being drafted makes it impractical to do so before Christmas. The Coalition is pushing for expedited legislation before the holidays, citing the urgent nature of the situation.
During a press conference in Albury, Ley criticized the Prime Minister for providing what she termed “excuses” instead of taking decisive action. She mentioned, “Over recent weeks, I’ve stood with Australia’s Jewish community in their homes, in their synagogues, in the streets, and I’ve listened and I’ve heard them.” Ley expressed that there are growing concerns among the Jewish community regarding warnings that were overlooked, suggesting that the tragedy could have been preventable.
“The Jewish community is talking through their grief, their pain, and yes, indeed, their anger,” Ley stated. “What they’re hearing from the Prime Minister is excuses when they want action. The time for words is well and truly finished.”
Ley accused the Labor government of neglecting calls for a royal commission, not only from the Coalition but also from the families of victims and rabbis across Australia. She asserted, “Instead of moral courage from the Prime Minister, all we hear is moral confusion. The time to act is now.”
In light of the draft terms of reference proposed by the Coalition earlier this week, Ley reiterated the opposition’s readiness to refine and develop the necessary details to establish a royal commission. She stated, “We can consult with the Jewish community as we must and as we have, and start a process which sees a Commonwealth Royal Commission established.”
Ley emphasized the urgency of the situation, insisting, “It can happen today, it can be announced by the Prime Minister today, and it is vitally important that it gets done today.” As discussions continue, the focus remains on the need for effective measures to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Australia.
