Matter of Public Importance

Middle East

House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025

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

At a glance

Members commemorated the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks, condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas and highlighting the ongoing trauma for victims' families and the 48 remaining hostages. Speakers from across the political spectrum criticised the surge in antisemitism in Australia, citing incidents such as firebombings, graffiti, and intimidation of Jewish communities. While all members agreed on the need to combat hate and support the Jewish community, opinions differed on the government's diplomatic approach, with opposition members accusing the government of abandoning bipartisan support for Israel, while government members emphasised the pursuit of a two-state solution and domestic safety measures.

Outcome

The matter of public importance was debated without a vote.

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 abandoned bipartisan support for Israel and failed to act with urgency against the rise in antisemitism in Australia. Leeser detailed the horrors of the October 7 attacks and the plight of the 48 remaining hostages, including specific individuals such as Maxim Herkin and the Berman twins. Leeser criticised the Prime Minister for refusing to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation and for ignoring the advice of the special envoy on antisemitism. Leeser asserted that the government's unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood had alienated Washington and undermined efforts to secure a peace plan.

Government response

Matt Thistlethwaite (Assistant Minister for Immigration; Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade) ALP Kingsford Smith

Thistlethwaite condemned the actions of Hamas and expressed support for the Jewish community in his electorate, noting local incidents of antisemitism. Thistlethwaite highlighted the establishment of a local operation shelter group to protect the community and reported a reduction in attacks. Thistlethwaite stated that Australians desired an end to the conflict, the release of hostages, and a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living in peace. Thistlethwaite emphasised that Australia's support for Israel was always conditional on the existence of an independent Palestinian state.

Opposition response

Tim Wilson (Goldstein) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Wilson characterised the October 7 attacks as causing the greatest number of Jewish deaths since the Holocaust and criticised the global propaganda effort to delegitimise Israel. Wilson cited excerpts from the book Ruptured to illustrate the sense of betrayal and trauma experienced by Jewish Australians, including feelings of vulnerability and intergenerational trauma. Wilson argued that antisemitism had spread across Australia, manifesting in abuse, graffiti, and firebombings, and called for an end to the targeting of citizens based on international conflicts.

Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Dreyfus recounted his visits to sites of the October 7 attacks, including Kibbutz Be'eri and the Nova festival, to underscore the brutality of the Hamas atrocities. Dreyfus acknowledged the rise in antisemitism in Australia and called for a balance between freedom of expression and public safety, ensuring no one feels unsafe due to their background. Dreyfus affirmed the government's commitment to confronting hate and supporting the Jewish community while advocating for a future based on safety for Israel and respect for Palestinians.
Andrew Wallace (Fisher) (Liberal National Party) LNP support

Wallace described the destruction he witnessed in southern Israel, particularly in Sderot and Kibbutz Kfar Aza, following the October 7 attacks. Wallace highlighted the constant threat faced by residents of Sderot due to rocket fire and the devastation of homes in Kfar Aza. Wallace expressed hope for a lasting peace plan and recognised the loss and grief experienced by the people of Israel.
Josh Burns (Macnamara) (Australian Labor Party) ALP mixed

Burns reflected on the shift in Middle East relations prior to October 7 and the tragedy of the attacks on those seeking peace. Burns emphasised the need to acknowledge the grief of both Jewish and Palestinian communities and criticised attempts to delegitimise the experiences of Jewish people. Burns argued for a future built on recognising humanity in all parties and rejecting violence, while condemning comments that justified attacks on Jewish people.
Michael McCormack (Riverina) (National Party) Nationals support

McCormack compared the actions of Hamas to those of the Nazis, citing the autobiography of Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku. McCormack criticised the decision to allow a protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, describing it as antisemitic, and expressed dismay at the rise in antisemitic incidents in regional areas like Wagga Wagga. McCormack stated that the Australian government had already granted a free state for Palestine and stood with Israel.
Mike Freelander (Macarthur) (Australian Labor Party) ALP mixed

Freelander highlighted the long history of antisemitism in Australia and the recent surge in incidents, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue. Freelander acknowledged the trauma experienced by both Jewish and Palestinian communities in Australia, noting the distress of Palestinian medical professionals. Freelander called for continued efforts to eradicate antisemitism and support all affected communities.
Barnaby Joyce (New England) (National Party) One Nation support

Joyce described the October 7 attacks as an apotheosis of evil, comparable to the Holocaust, and argued that Israel had a right to defend itself against invasion. Joyce stated that Hamas must surrender and release the hostages to end the conflict, drawing parallels to the complete defeat of enemies in World War II. Joyce emphasised that there could be no compromise with war and that the perpetrators must be dealt with absolutely.
Allegra Spender (Wentworth) (Independent) Ind mixed

Spender commemorated the victims of October 7 and highlighted the devastating rise in antisemitism in Australia, citing personal anecdotes of harassment and intimidation. Spender expressed concern that Jewish Australians were questioning their safety and welcome in the country. Spender called for peace, the release of hostages, and the protection of multicultural values, urging all Australians to ensure the country remains safe for all faiths.

Opened by

Julian Leeser (Berowra) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

10 speeches, 7 other contributors

Topics

Antisemitism & Social Cohesion Foreign Affairs 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.