Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A few weeks ago, members of the Queensland Jewish community came to meet with me to discuss their experience of antisemitism. As a matter of respect to them and in support of them, I want to take my first opportunity in this parliamentary year to speak to what they have experienced. They've provided me with a dossier of Facebook comments, emails and photos of graffiti. I was going to read some examples in this chamber, but, to be frank, (a) I don't want to give the satisfaction to the people who engaged in this behaviour, and (b) it is just vile. So, please, just think of what could be the most vile antisemitic comments, and you will understand what is in this dossier.

It is unacceptable that members of our Jewish community should be subject to such vile abuse. It is unacceptable that members of our Jewish community should be subject to personal threats, even threats against their children. It is unacceptable that Jewish businesses should be subject to property damage, the owners of those businesses subject to threats and employees of Jewish businesses harassed and subject to threats. It is incumbent upon all of us—senators and every Australian citizen—to call out this antisemitism wherever we see it and to stand in support of members of our Jewish community when they are subject to it.