ECAJ meets with Anthony Albanese

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday, as part of a series of engagements with senior government and opposition figures in Canberra this week.

In discussions with the Prime Minister, ECAJ received assurances that while recognition of a Palestinian state remains on the Government’s agenda, it is not an imminent move. Mr Albanese reaffirmed his previously stated position, indicating that any future recognition would depend on key conditions being met.

ECAJ noted what it described as a “realistic understanding” by the Government of the prerequisites for Palestinian statehood — including explicit recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, demilitarisation, democratic reform, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. The disarmament of Hamas and the release of all hostages were also identified as non-negotiable preconditions.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the alarming rise of antisemitism in Australia. ECAJ welcomed the Government’s ongoing support for Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal AO and its endorsement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

The Government is actively considering the Special Envoy’s forthcoming action plan. Mr Albanese acknowledged the persistent nature of antisemitic incidents and emphasised the urgency of a coordinated response.

ECAJ reiterated that tackling antisemitism requires more than government intervention alone, urging a whole-of-society effort. The Jewish community, it said, stands ready to work collaboratively with authorities at all levels to combat the issue.