The Coalition has unveiled a proposal for a Commonwealth royal commission to investigate the recent surge in anti-Semitism, stating it would closely scrutinise ministers and departments “across all levels of government.”
Shadow Attorney-General Andrew Wallace said the inquiry would be headed by three commissioners: one from the Jewish community with direct experience of anti-Semitism, one with a background in law enforcement and intelligence, and a current or former Supreme Court judge.
“It would be looking into the rise of anti-Semitism in this country. It would look at things such as online, the media, arts, cultural and education sectors that led to the Bondi attack,” Wallace said.
“It would look at the conduct of ministers’ departments across all levels of government with respect to responding to the rise of anti-Semitism and the Bondi terrorist attack.”
He emphasised the commission would investigate the roles of radical Islam, far-left and far-right groups, and Neo-Nazi extremism.
“As would it look at anti-Israel and anti-Zionist attitudes into elevating anti-Semitic environment in Australia,” he added.
Wallace said the inquiry would also assess whether Commonwealth and state law enforcement and intelligence agencies collaborated effectively.
“That is just one of the reasons why it’s so incredibly important that Commonwealth royal commission be held,” he said.
The Coalition also wants the commission to review immigration processes, including the granting of visas and citizenship.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley blasted the Prime Minister for ‘failing the nation accusing him of refusing to deliver an “unqualified apology as [NSW] Premier [Chris] Minns has done” and rejecting demands for a federal royal commission — a move she says adds “insult to injury” for the Jewish community.
Ley urged the government to recall Parliament, mirroring the response in New South Wales.
“[Albanese] has failed to respond appropriately to this terrible attack, but there is opportunity to get it right. There is a pathway forward and a model of leadership and unity as has been displayed right here in New South Wales,” she said.
Shadow Minister for the Arts and Jewish MP Julian Leeser, who joined Ley at the victims’ funerals, launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister, declaring he “never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”
“The Jewish community of this country cannot survive on the crumbs of this government and appalling Prime Minister, who is always late to the party and who wants the Jewish community of this country to live in his half measures,” Leeser said.
