The Coalition has established a dedicated Taskforce on Antisemitism, Extremism and Counter-Terrorism in response to the escalating threat posed by antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.
Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said the taskforce would bring urgency and discipline to confronting a threat that endangers the lives of Australians.
The taskforce has been established with three clear priorities:
- First, it will drive the full implementation of the government's own Antisemitism Envoy's report which has sat gathering dust on the Prime Minister's desk.
- Second, the taskforce will focus on strengthening Australia's counter-terrorism response. This work will examine weaknesses and emerging risks across intelligence coordination, law enforcement powers, border integrity and the monitoring of individuals on terror watchlists.
- Third, the taskforce will undertake direct and ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders, organisations and institutions to ensure their security needs are understood and addressed.
The Leader of the Opposition said the country needs leadership and action, not delay.
"The Prime Minister has said he will do whatever it takes. That means doing the hard work, not delaying it like the government has done to date," the Opposition Leader said.
"That must start with implementing the Antisemitism Envoy's report in full, not shelving it or watering it down.
"ASIO has been clear. Antisemitism represents the greatest threat to loss of life in Australia, and when our intelligence agencies issue warnings of that magnitude, political leaders have a duty to act.
"No Australian should feel unsafe practising their faith, sending their children to school or gathering as a community.
"Jewish Australians should never have to look over their shoulder in their own country. Restoring safety and confidence is non-negotiable."
The establishment of the taskforce follows the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach targeting members of the Jewish community celebrating Chanukah.
The taskforce is also being formed in the context of the atrocities of October 7 in Israel and a sustained series of domestic incidents directed at Australia's Jewish community over the past two years.
These incidents have included public landmarks turned into symbols of antisemitic hate, university campuses occupied by those preaching hatred, Jewish students harassed and ostracised, homes vandalised, childcare centres targeted and synagogues firebombed, including one attack orchestrated by a foreign terrorist state.
"For too long, antisemitism has been allowed to grow in plain sight," Ms Ley said.
"What we saw at Bondi is the consequence of failing to confront extremism early and decisively."
"Australians deserve more than words. They deserve action, protection and leadership."
The taskforce held its formation meeting yesterday and will meet with the Antisemitism Envoy later today.
"The Coalition stands ready to support any serious and effective action that strengthens counter-terrorism, disrupts extremists and protects lives," the Opposition Leader said
"This taskforce will bring focus, discipline and urgency to confronting antisemitism and violent extremism, because the delay we have seen from the government has had real consequences."
Taskforce membership
- Opposition Leader Sussan Ley
- Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Michaela Cash
- Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Jonno Duniam
- Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie
- Shadow Minister for Finance, Senator James Paterson
- Shadow Minister for Education, Julian Leeser
- Shadow Attorney-General, Andrew Wallace
