CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: The Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley speaks with guests at a Parliamentary BBQ on November 05, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. Australia's Parliament convened for sittings as a number of pressing issues come to the fore, from inflation and cost of living domestically to Australia's relationship with its allies in the region and beyond internationally. (Photo by Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images)
Sussan Ley, the Opposition Leader, is urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to recall Parliament before Christmas to expedite legislation aimed at combating anti-Semitism in Australia. Ley made this call during a press conference on December 18, 2023, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure safety for Jewish Australians. “Jewish Australians and Australians do not feel safe, and we should not rest until we have done everything in our power to keep them safe,” she stated.
Ley outlined several initiatives the Coalition intends to pursue. One significant proposal involves amending the Australian Citizenship Act to allow courts to revoke citizenship from dual nationals involved in a wider range of terrorism-related activities. This includes overseas military-style training and hate crimes as defined under the Criminal Code. Ley argued that this would provide a clear legal mechanism for deporting individuals associated with radicalism and terrorism.
In the interim, Ley is advocating for an immediate directive from the immigration minister to halt visa approvals for individuals from terrorist-controlled areas. This would require enhanced security and character checks to verify applicants’ identities. Additionally, the Coalition aims to terminate the current government’s policy of self-managed returns for individuals, often referred to as “ISIS brides,” who have traveled to conflict zones. Proposed legislation would make it a criminal offense to assist in the repatriation of individuals without ministerial approval.
Last October, two Australian women and four children returned from the al-Hawl camp in Syria via Lebanon after being issued embassy passports. Reports indicate that over 40 Australians are still held in detention camps in Syria. In 2024, the then-Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil had intended to present a repatriation proposal to the cabinet, but it did not progress due to potential political repercussions.
Addressing Anti-Semitism and Extremism
The Coalition has also committed to supporting recommendations from Jillian Segal, the Special Anti-Semitism Envoy, aimed at addressing anti-Semitism in Australia. These recommendations include establishing the envoy as a statutory office under the law. Ley has proposed granting the immigration minister the authority to deny visas to individuals who engage in anti-Semitic actions or hate speech, including those in the arts sector.
Furthermore, the Coalition plans to introduce “no-funding triggers” to prevent public funding for organizations linked to anti-Semitic activities. These measures would be applicable under the Creative Australia Act 2023, the Commonwealth Grants Rules, and the Australian Research Council Act 2001. Ley referenced concerns raised by Jewish students regarding anti-Semitism on university campuses and has suggested amending the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011. This amendment would require institutions to actively combat anti-Semitism as a condition for registration.
The Coalition’s plans also include a review of school curricula to enhance education on Jewish history, identity, and culture. This initiative aligns with a commitment made by Prime Minister Albanese earlier in the day to provide comprehensive teaching on anti-Semitism and the Holocaust.
Ley’s call for immediate parliamentary action signals a significant push by the opposition to address rising concerns about extremism and anti-Semitism in Australia, aiming to ensure a safer environment for all citizens.
