Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Pocock, for the question. I will come to the specific point in a moment, but it's worth reminding the chamber that, since the Bondi attack, the Prime Minister has announced several measures to support the Jewish community to the value of $102 million, and those measures are designed to enhance the safety of Australia's Jewish community, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to addressing antisemitism.

The National Jewish Memorial Centre you've asked about has previously received funding through different pathways. I'm aware that Senator Gallagher, in her role as senator for the ACT as well as finance minister, has been working very closely with the organisation concerned about potentially accessing further funding. I recognise the letter that you've written, Senator Pocock, and, as I say, Senator Gallagher has been very active on this issue, including meeting with the organisation again, as I understand, yesterday. The development of a grant opportunity towards additional security funding is being prioritised and organisations will be able to apply for additional funding when announced. The intention would be that the Executive Council of Australian Jewry would administer this funding when it's available.

The government, well before the Bondi attack, had expended significant funds, rightly, to strengthen security around synagogues, Jewish schools and other Jewish institutions. We've made additional commitments in that regard since the Bondi attack. Clearly, it's the case that a range of senators have been advocating—whether it be you, Senator Pocock, Senator Gallagher or, no doubt, many others—and we will continue to consider those applications.