MP fails in bid to extend antisemitism inquiry and have PM front it

A bid to extend the timeline of Australia's royal commission on antisemitism and have Prime Minister Anthony Albanese testify has failed. Liberal MP Julian Leeser argued in the House of Representatives that the current timeline imposed severe constraints, preventing the commission from fully examining antisemitism in Australia and hearing from critical players. He called for an extension to allow the commission to hear and test evidence from key witnesses, suggesting December 14 be a day for remembrance rather than reviewing recommendations.

“

critical players had gone unheard.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was established following the December terror attack in Bondi, which resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries. The commission has received over 20,000 submissions and heard from more than 220 witnesses since May. Commissioner Virginia Bell AC SC is expected to deliver her final report and recommendations by the first anniversary of the attack. Public hearings are scheduled to conclude next week.

“

Instead of spending December 14 scouring royal commission recommendations, let that day be a day when Australians remember victims and comfort the bereaved. Give the commission more time.

Leeser, who is Jewish and gave evidence about his personal experience with antisemitism and the impact of the Bondi attack on his family, requested the government extend the reporting date. He specifically called for the Prime Minister, attorney-general, foreign minister, and ministers for home affairs and the arts and education to appear under oath. However, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke moved to adjourn the debate, stating there was no division within parliament regarding the rejection of antisemitism. Burke's motion succeeded, preventing further discussion on Leeser's proposal.

“

Let us hear from you, under oath, what went wrong from the very top. Show that you are serious about fixing antisemitism into the future.

The commission has been hearing from organizations focused on fostering social cohesion. Despite the adjournment of Leeser's motion, the commission is proceeding with its work, with public hearings set to conclude soon. The focus remains on the commission's mandate to investigate antisemitism and social cohesion in the wake of the attack.

“

There is no division within this parliament about the horrific nature of antisemitism, about not merely viewing the horrors of the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi but also the antisemitism which has occurred in our country both before and since that moment as being unilaterally rejected by every member of this house.