Julian Leeser reappointed as shadow Attorney General

Federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser has been appointed Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for the Arts in a significant reshuffle of the Coalition frontbench, announced today following the reunification of the Liberal and National parties.

Leeser, the Member for Berowra, returns to the shadow cabinet after stepping down in 2023 over his support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. His reinstatement reflects his continued influence within the party and his strong advocacy on legal and cultural matters. Leeser remains the sole Jewish member of the federal Coalition in the Australian Parliament.

Leeser has been a vocal advocate against antisemitism and a staunch supporter of Israel. In October 2022, he criticised the Albanese government’s decision to reverse Australia’s recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, describing it as a “shambolic piece of foreign policy-making” that offended a longstanding ally.

Leeser has also called for a judicial inquiry into antisemitism on Australian university campuses, arguing that Jewish students and staff have been abandoned by institutions meant to ensure their safety. He has further urged for mandatory jail sentences for those convicted of vandalising synagogues, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents against hate crimes.

His return to the shadow cabinet comes as the Coalition seeks to present a united front after recent internal divisions. The reshuffle, led by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, aims to balance experience with new talent, with Leeser’s appointment seen as a move to reinforce the party’s commitment to legal integrity and cultural affairs.

Leeser’s reinstatement is expected to bolster the Coalition’s policy development in areas concerning legal affairs and the arts, as well as its engagement with Australia’s Jewish community.

He told J-Wire: “I’m honoured to join Sussan Ley’s front bench as Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for the Arts.

Every Australian deserves the full protection of the law, no matter their background. I will continue to hold the Albanese Government to account, to ensure the integrity of our legal system.

Australia’s legal institutions are among the oldest in the world and are critical to the success of Australia’s democracy.

I’m also excited to take on The Arts portfolio.

Having served on arts boards, I understand some of the opportunities and challenges the sector faces. I want to see the arts in Australia play an important creative, economic, and strategic role for our country to ensure our budding artists can achieve their full potential.”