House debates

Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Statements by Members

Cybercrime: Discrimination, Middle East

1:35 pm

Photo of Zoe DanielZoe Daniel (Goldstein, Independent) Share this | | Hansard source

As a tolerant society, we are rightly proud of our multiculturalism, but conflict in the Middle East is testing us. Since October, we've seen an increase in racial vilification and, with it, antisemitism. This has culminated in the publication of the private details of hundreds of Jewish Australians who were using an online chat platform to communicate.

Since the abhorrent terrorist attacks of 7 October, my main priority has been the safety and security of Goldstein's Jewish community. Several of those affected by this case of doxxing are my constituents. Most are creatives who are now being subjected to cancel culture in the extreme. I'm pleased the government has listened to those of us who've called for the criminalising of doxxing and has pledged to move fast. I've also suggested to the government that a special envoy for antisemitism is warranted.

I will add here that I'm deeply concerned at the Israeli government's decision to launch attacks in Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge since the Israeli government warned them to leave northern Gaza. As the Australian government has said, Israel must listen to its friends, and it must listen to the international community.