Attorney general says now a ‘time for national unity’ as PM defends Labor’s response after Melbourne synagogue fire
, as Australia’s intelligence chief warns of “ugly dynamics” and politically motivated violence related to conflicts in the Middle East.
“Unfortunately, in Australia today, those of Jewish ethnicity or religion are being targeted because of who they are … This needs to stop,” AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw said. “Sadly, this appalling incident appears to embody the ugly dynamics that Asio has been warning about. Politically motivated violence is now one of Asio’s and this country’s principal security concerns,” Burgess said.
He highlighted the government’s ban on the Nazi salute and other hate symbols, the appointment of Jillian Segal as Australia’s first special envoy on antisemitism, its anti-doxing legislation, the millions committed to security at Jewish community sites, its support of Israel’s right to defend itself in the context of the Middle East war, and its call for a halt toMelbourne synagogue fire declared a ‘likely’ terrorist attack –...
“When you look at the devastation that’s been wreaked upon a place of worship, it has no place in our country whatsoever,” he said. “This really is evil. And we need to make sure that the antisemitism that has now become commonplace in our society is repelled at every opportunity.”
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