Coalition launches antisemitism and counter-terror taskforce
The Coalition has established a dedicated Taskforce on Antisemitism, Extremism and Counter-Terrorism, citing an escalating threat to public safety and Australia’s Jewish community.
Sussan Ley Screenshot
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the taskforce would bring “focus, discipline and urgency” to confronting antisemitism and violent extremism, warning that delays had already had “real consequences”.
“This is about leadership and action, not delay,” Ms Ley said.
The taskforce has three priorities, starting with the full implementation of the government’s Antisemitism Envoy’s report, which Ms Ley said had been left “gathering dust on the Prime Minister’s desk”.
“That must start with implementing the Antisemitism Envoy’s report in full, not shelving it or watering it down,” she said.
The second priority is strengthening Australia’s counter-terrorism framework, including examining weaknesses and emerging risks across intelligence coordination, law enforcement powers, border integrity and the monitoring of individuals on terror watchlists.
The third focus will be ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders, organisations and institutions to ensure their security concerns are understood and addressed.
Ms Ley said Australians expected decisive action in the face of clear warnings from security agencies.
“ASIO has been clear. Antisemitism represents the greatest threat to loss of life in Australia, and when our intelligence agencies issue warnings of that magnitude, political leaders have a duty to act,” she said.
“No Australian should feel unsafe practising their faith, sending their children to school or gathering as a community.
“Jewish Australians should never have to look over their shoulder in their own country. Restoring safety and confidence is non-negotiable.”
The taskforce was formed in the wake of a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach targeting members of the Jewish community celebrating Chanukah, and against the backdrop of the October 7 atrocities in Israel and a series of domestic antisemitic incidents over the past two years.
Those incidents have included public landmarks defaced with antisemitic symbols, university campuses occupied by extremist protesters, Jewish students harassed and ostracised, homes vandalised, childcare centres targeted and synagogues firebombed, including one attack linked to a foreign terrorist state.
“For too long, antisemitism has been allowed to grow in plain sight,” Ms Ley said.
“What we saw at Bondi is the consequence of failing to confront extremism early and decisively.
“Australians deserve more than words. They deserve action, protection and leadership.”
The taskforce held its inaugural meeting yesterday and is scheduled to meet with the Antisemitism Envoy later today.
“The Coalition stands ready to support any serious and effective action that strengthens counter-terrorism, disrupts extremists and protects lives,” Ms Ley said.
Taskforce membership
- Opposition Leader Sussan Ley
- Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Michaela Cash
- Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Jonno Duniam
- Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie
- Shadow Minister for Finance, Senator James Paterson
- Shadow Minister for Education, Julian Leeser
- Shadow Attorney-General, Andrew Wallace
