Matter of Public Importance

Antisemitism

House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on the government's handling of antisemitism, particularly following recent firebombings linked to the Iranian regime. Opposition members argued the government had been slow to act, citing a two-year delay in listing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation despite earlier warnings. Government members defended their actions, stating they acted on intelligence advice and highlighting funding for community security and the expulsion of Iranian diplomats. Speakers from both sides condemned antisemitism, though they disagreed on the timing and political framing of the government's response.

Outcome

The motion was debated as a Matter of Public Importance; no vote was taken.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Julian Leeser (Berowra) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Leeser argued that the government had ignored warnings from the Jewish and Persian communities regarding the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps for over two years. Leeser claimed the government only acted after being forced by intelligence agencies to list the group as a terrorist organisation following recent attacks on Jewish sites. Leeser criticised the government for rejecting opposition offers to amend criminal law to facilitate the listing earlier and for failing to implement recommendations from the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. Leeser asserted that the government's inaction had led to increased fear and violence within the Jewish community.

Government response

Anne Aly (Minister for Multicultural Affairs) ALP Cowan

Aly stated that the government had taken decisive action to combat antisemitism, including expelling Iranian diplomats and listing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation based on ASIO advice. Aly highlighted that the government had provided over $57 million to enhance protection for Jewish community locations, such as schools and synagogues. Aly emphasised the importance of social cohesion and noted that the government had also banned Nazi symbols and criminalised doxxing. Aly argued that combating hatred requires a bipartisan approach and that the government was working to address the fragility of social cohesion in Australia.

Opposition response

Andrew Hastie (Shadow Minister for Home Affairs) Liberal Canning

Hastie argued that the government had failed to show moral clarity and leadership in addressing the crisis of antisemitism. Hastie claimed that taxpayer funds were being directed to extremist organisations that undermined social cohesion, citing specific examples of funding to groups with links to Hamas. Hastie reiterated that the opposition had called for the listing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps multiple times over two years, long before the government acted. Hastie stated that the government's delay had allowed antisemitic violence and intimidation to spread across the country.

Julian Hill (Bruce) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Hill argued that antisemitism is an ancient hatred that requires a non-partisan response and that the government had acted decisively by expelling Iranian diplomats. Hill stated that the government acts on the advice of security agencies rather than political pressure or interest groups. Hill warned that politicising the issue could undermine social cohesion and stated that Iranian Australians should not be blamed for the actions of their government.
Andrew Wallace (Fisher) (Liberal National Party) LNP oppose

Wallace argued that the government had been asleep at the wheel regarding antisemitism and had failed to call out hate speech on university campuses. Wallace shared a personal experience of being berated for wearing an Israeli flag, using it to illustrate the prevalence of antisemitism. Wallace claimed the government's silence promoted antisemitism and criticised the failure to institute a royal commission into campus antisemitism.
Mike Freelander (Macarthur) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Freelander stated that the government had taken decisive action to keep Jewish Australians safe, including enhancing security and banning hate symbols. Freelander argued that while antisemitism has existed for generations, the government responds effectively to incidents. Freelander criticised the opposition for weaponising the issue and damaging social cohesion, noting that the Persian community does not support the Iranian regime.
Mary Aldred (Monash) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Aldred supported the motion, arguing that the government had failed to act with urgency on antisemitism despite warnings. Aldred noted that the government had waited two years to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Aldred highlighted the fear experienced by Jewish Australians, particularly in Victoria, and stated that the government's reactive approach was a failure of duty.
Steve Georganas (Adelaide) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Georganas argued that antisemitism should be dealt with in a bipartisan manner rather than being politicised. Georganas reminded the chamber that the previous government had attempted to weaken anti-discrimination laws in 2016. Georganas stated that the government had acted on intelligence reports to expel Iranian diplomats and that the minority of people committing hate crimes should not define the harmonious nature of Australian society.
Tim Wilson (Goldstein) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Wilson argued that the government's failure of leadership had led to an unprecedented rise in antisemitism since October 2023. Wilson cited personal accounts from Jewish community members who felt unsupported by the government. Wilson stated that the government had been dragged to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation and warned that tolerating extremism against Jewish communities could lead to broader social degradation.
Josh Burns (Macnamara) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Burns stated that the government had taken unprecedented steps to protect the Jewish community, including expelling Iranian diplomatic representation. Burns argued that the decision to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was based on security advice, not political pressure. Burns criticised the opposition for sowing doubt and failing to be constructive, noting that the previous government had not listed the group during its nine years in power.

Opened by

Julian Leeser (Berowra) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

10 speeches, 7 other contributors

Topics

Antisemitism & Social Cohesion Middle East

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About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.