Julian Leeser
Berowra · Liberal Party · Australia
“Third, the bill gives the minister unilateral power to impose conditions on higher education providers under the new section 36-65 of the HESA, which is introduced by this bill. The current version of section 36-65 of the HESA requires that there be an agreement in place with the provider. The new version does not.”
“Presumably, if you're a university and you get a bad decision, then your only recourse is judicial review, litigation or a constitutional writ. It's not a great option when the target of your litigation will be the minister who will make the future decisions that shape your ongoing financial viability.”
“This bill changes it from capped funding to capped places, but the places cost different amounts depending on the course. The Commonwealth contribution to a history degree is $1,316; agriculture costs $32,400. Could a university which typically teaches history be allocated 100 places and decide to convert them to agriculture?”
“I said very clearly that I understand the value of international students to Australia. I also said: We will want to make changes to the settings around international students, but I want the sector to know that we want to work closely with you to develop these policies and announce them in due course.”
“This so-called system steward, ATEC, can be bypassed at any time by a minister choosing to exercise this power. Again, this means universities are, under this bill, subject to extraordinary control by this minister or any future minister.”
“He said that Australian kids should be taught Australian values, which he defined as democracy, the rule of law, basic freedoms and a fair go.”
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“I also want to acknowledge his staff, in particular Alex Dalgleish, who was his chief of staff, with whom I always had good relationships—even when, famously, I took a very different position on the referendum on the Voice to Parliament, I continued to have a very warm relationship with Alex—and Michelle Hutchinson, who was his principal legal adviser. They were the two people I dealt with. Even when I was drafting private members' bills or doing work, I always benefited from their support and help. I also want to acknowledge my friend Andrew Hirst, the federal director of the Liberal Party. Being a party official is a thankless task, but Andrew does that job with great distinction.”
“I want to state on the record that, even when Peter and I had disagreements, which we did from time to time, he was always thoroughly decent to deal with. He always treated me with great respect. On two of the most important issues facing our country and the world today—the dreadful rise in antisemitism in Australia and standing with our Western liberal democratic ally and security, the State of Israel—Peter Dutton showed magnificent leadership, and for that he will never ever be forgotten. I want to thank him for his service and his leadership.”
“In particular, I'm looking forward to representing more of the business community in Hornsby and Waitara and to being a strong voice for them, as I have been for other parts of my electorate. In the context of the last federal election campaign, I think that, perhaps, too little attention has been paid to the effect of the redistribution on the result and the way in which, particularly in New South Wales, that changed the composition of a number of our electorates, making them naturally less safe than they previously had been. It also affected how the seats fell more broadly. I also want to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks to the former leader of our party Peter Dutton. There have been lots of unfair reflections on Peter since the election.”
“It has traditionally been a more Labor voting area, and was so even in the time when John Howard represented Epping. I want to pay particular tribute to John Howard and John Alexander, who represented Epping and North Epping previously for our party. Both of them came campaigning with me at this election, and both of them gave me good advice on representing the people of Epping. I'm looking forward to representing these areas. As I've been out and about talking to local sporting groups, the civic trust and some of the church groups, doorknocking in these areas and getting to know these communities better, it's been a great privilege to find some of the challenges.”
“This election, the redistribution was quite radical and, for the first time, a member for Berowra represents the entirety of the Hornsby shire. That involved the suburbs of Waitara and North Epping coming into Hornsby and those parts of Hornsby, Normanhurst and Asquith which I previously had not represented becoming part of the Berowra electorate. It is very good to have the Hornsby shire represented by one member of parliament. It means that, alongside the very good state members that are in the Hornsby shire, I can work very closely with my good friend the mayor of Hornsby, Warren Wardell, to deliver outcomes for our electorate. As well as North Epping, we took on Epping from Bennelong. Epping is in the Parramatta council area.”
“I'm honoured to have been elected again as the member for Berowra to serve in this parliament as the representative of the community I love. The election campaign in Berowra this time was very different to previous campaigns, and one of the key reasons for that was the redistribution that occurred at the end of last year. That redistribution saw Berowra lose the Hills Shire parts of West Pennant Hills and Carlingford. I want to thank the people of West Pennant Hills and Carlingford, whom I have had the privilege to represent since my original election to the House in 2016. I enjoyed working with them on improvements to telco in their area, on supporting the local schools and on delivering local road projects.”
“They're the standards he wanted Australians to judge him by. Let me say those standards again: transparency, integrity and accountability. But what have Australians come to see from the Albanese government?”
“We saw this in the misinformation and disinformation bill, and I'm sorry we're seeing it again in the FOI bill that is going to be before the House in a few days. This government proposed reforms to the FOI Act, and they seem to be the misinformation and disinformation bill all over again. This government wants to stifle what people will say and what people will see. This government talked a big game, we will remember, in opposition. They said lots before they came to power. They said they were going to be so much better than how they've turned out. Prior to the election, Mr Albanese promised the Australian people that, if they elected him and the Australian Labor Party to office, he and his ministers would deliver transparency, integrity and accountability in everything they did.”
“It has been a long afternoon in the House of Representatives today. We have seen the hubris of a government with a supermajority giving itself a pat on the back in question time and evading questions about aged care that were asked of them by the opposition and that were raised with us by our constituents. This lack of transparency from the government is what today's MPI is all about because it evidences a disturbing pattern of behaviour that we have seen ever since the election of the Albanese government in 2022. It is a cancer that is eating away at the heart of the Labor Party. It takes the form of a pervasive and malevolent addiction to secrecy. This is a government that always tries to limit and control the message.”
“Bowel cancer rates are now two to three times higher among Australians born in the nineties than those born in the 1950s. Too often, young people experiencing symptoms are told they're just too young for bowel cancer. This means young people take, on average, 60 per cent longer to receive a diagnosis, often at a later stage when outcomes are much worse. That's why Bowel Cancer Australia's Never2Young campaign is so important in raising awareness, calling for a lower screening age, ensuring prompt GP referral, improving treatment pathways and funding more research. Andrew Saliba's courage in sharing his story will encourage others to get checked and remind us all, importantly, that no-one's ever too young to get tested for bowel cancer.”
“Andrew Saliba is a member of a celebrated Lebanese Australian family in my community. At just 36 years old, he was told by his doctor that he was too young to have anything seriously wrong with him. However, months later, he was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. With two young daughters at home, Andrew knew he had to fight, and, after three years, he is now cancer free. Every day though, Andrew still faces struggles, from bathroom habits to the physical toll of treatment. At one point, he feared he'd never be able to work as an electrician again. Andrew's story reminds us of a hard truth. Bowel cancer isn't just something older people get; it's the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25 to 54. Each year, more than 1,700 Australians under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer.”
“In celebrating this anniversary today, we celebrate not only a story of remarkable organisation but also a story of modern Australia: of refugees who arrived in this country with little, but who built institutions of strength and who, in turn, strengthened the nation that welcomed them. May B'nai B'rith continue for another 80 years to lead, to educate, to inspire and to unite Australians of all backgrounds.”
“In 2004, they helped secure parliamentary resolutions against racism and antisemitism in this parliament and in various state parliaments. I was proud to deliver the B'nai B'rith Human Rights Oration in 2018, called Human Rights Hijacked. I should acknowledge Anna Berger, who was the state president at that time. It was probably one of the most important speeches I've made. In fact, it spurred on a book, Nonsense on Stilts , in response to it. It's always a place to go to make important speeches and contributions. B'nai B'rith has also done much, whether it's work for young people, work that relates to the arts, work that relates to antidiscrimination and reducing racism in this country, or work that is focused on the advancement of human rights.”
“It empowers them to become upstanders, not bystanders, inspiring young people to embrace and celebrate the beauty of our Jewish tradition, which teaches us to treat others with loving kindness. In a period where antisemitism is escalating, Courage to Care has never been more important. B'nai B'rith have established intercultural celebrations since the early 90s across a range of communities, and their work on intercultural and interfaith dialogue is very important. Of course, B'nai B'rith understands and appreciates freedom. Its antidefamation oration began in 1988, and it has provided platforms for people like Pat Dodson, David Rosen and Helen Suzman. Its Gold Medal Award has been given to both Bob Hawke and John Howard. Its Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award was initiated in 1990, with recipients like Tim Costello and Gus Nossal.”
“I want to acknowledge the Kadimah Gardens committee, led by Ada Berger. In particular, it's great to see the great Jack Aghion here, also from Kadimah, in my electorate, and others. Perhaps B'nai B'rith's most enduring contributions have been in education and building bridges between communities. In 1981, it organised the Holocaust exhibition in Australia, held at the Sydney Town Hall. That exhibition travelled the country, was attended by tens of thousands, and ultimately led to Holocaust studies being part of the school syllabus. The work directly inspired the Courage to Care program, and I want to acknowledge Ernie Friedlander and his great work in that. Launched in Melbourne and then in Sydney, Courage to Care teaches Australians—especially school students—about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination.”
“By the 1960s B'nai B'rith had expanded across the Tasmin, with branches in Wellington and Auckland, ensuring its mission reached Jewish communities in New Zealand, as well. In 1961, it launched the Hillel foundation. B'nai B'rith has established so many offshoots in its time. Hillel offered residential facilities and counselling for universities students, a project so successful that it became an independent organisation after nearly four decades. Closer to home for me—and I'm so delighted to have a Jewish community institution in my electorate—B'nai B'rith also founded retirement villages, beginning in Wahroonga in 1964, in my electorate. Today, Kadimah Gardens continues the proud tradition of providing quality affordable accommodation for older members of the community.”
“They built on the traditions of a global organisation that had already existed for a century, animated by the values of fellowship, compassion and communal responsibility. What began as a small social and cultural organisation quickly grew into one of the most enduring and impactful community organisations in this country. From its earliest days, B'nai B'rith created spaces where people could connect, learn and share Jewish culture with the broader Australian community. In 1945, it founded one of the first youth groups in Sydney, followed soon after by one in Melbourne. In 1948, it established its first community home in Darlinghurst, with further centres in Sydney and Melbourne to follow.”
“We don't usually get such a crowd here in the Federation Chamber, but such is the importance of the 80th anniversary of B'nai B'rith. I'd like to acknowledge the member for Macnamara and the member for Wentworth, who are also going to be making contributions in this debate. And I'd particularly like to thank past president James Allman, who alerted me to the 80th anniversary of B'nai B'rith. B'nai B'rith have been here having their triennial convention, from both Australia and New Zealand, and it's wonderful to welcome them to the Federation Chamber this day. Eighty years ago, in 1944, a group of Jewish German and Austrian refugees, who fled the horrors of Nazism, gathered in Sydney to establish B'nai B'rith in Australia.”
“I move: That this House: (1) recognises the 80th anniversary of B'nai B'rith in Australia, an organisation whose work has strengthened not only the Australian Jewish community but the entire Australian population; (2) commends B'nai B'rith for its leadership in promoting education, interfaith understanding, cultural expression, and the fight against antisemitism; (3) notes its range of initiatives to support the community including the Courage to Care program, youth leadership development, and its charitable trust, which have left a lasting mark on the community; and (4) acknowledges the volunteers and members of B'nai B'rith past and present, whose 80 years of service reflect our nation's values of compassion, justice, and responsibility. I'd like to welcome members of B'nai B'rith.”
“But it's also about a health system that too often trails innovation, leaving Australians with rare cancers at the back of the queue. The courage of families like the Raisons to challenge us to do better is inspiring. Amelia has shown what a determined young woman can do. Simone has shown remarkable strength on her journey. Their school has shown what our community can do when it pulls together. Now we owe it to them to bring compassion, urgency and fairness into the way our health system responds.”
“Our regulatory processes must be both safe and timely. I want to acknowledge the tireless advocacy of groups like Rare Cancers Australia and the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, made of dedicated clinicians pushing for reform. They remind us that our world-class health system has people continuing to fight for innovation in medicine and treatments. For people with common cancers, subsidised treatments and clear pathways exist. For those with rare cancers, the journey is too often fragmented, bureaucratic and prohibitively expensive. The launch in parliament this evening of the Rare Cancers Australia policy report shows there's so much more to do. The story of Simone, Dan, Amelia and her sister, Evie, is both deeply personal and powerfully universal.”
“This isn't just an issue for cholangiocarcinoma patients but for all Australians with rare cancers. Approximately 40,000 Australians are diagnosed with a rare cancer each year. Because these cancers are individually uncommon, they attract less attention, and patients are too often left behind. The PBS has been transformative for many cancers, but, when a promising drug is only listed for one indication, patients with rare cancers who may share the same genetic mutations are excluded. A system that ties access to how common a cancer is rather than whether the science supports treatment is unjust. Other countries are moving faster. In the US, histotripsy has already been used in leading cancer centres. The UK is making strides. Australian families cannot afford for us to leave them behind.”
“That generosity has given families hope, but two hurdles remain. The first is time. Australians need faster access to therapies like this. The second hurdle is cost. At first, histotripsy will not be covered by Medicare or private health insurance, leaving families to face tens of thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses. These challenges extend beyond new technologies. In July the PBAC meeting, futibatinib, a medication for patients with cholangiocarcinoma carrying the FGFR2 mutation, was recently not recommended for listing. Another targeted inhibitor, pemigatinib, is only available through costly co-funding of around $24,000. Urgent reconsideration of these medicines would help Australians and ensure they are not denied access to life-extending treatments available internationally.”
“Too often, symptoms appear only when the disease is advanced, and that really underlies why we must accelerate access to innovative treatments and why investment in research is so vital. For families like Simone's, every advance in treatment offers the possibility of more time, more milestones and more moments together. Right now, that means exploring access to treatments like histotripsy, a promising non-invasive treatment using high-frequency ultrasound to destroy cancer cells. Encouragingly, a histotripsy machine is expected to arrive at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse centre later this year, with more machines to follow across the states in 2026. The establishment of these machines has only been made possible because of a generous philanthropic donation of multiple millions of dollars.”
“Amelia is a great young woman with a big future, and she was inspired to act because of Simone. Simone is a lifelong local. She and her husband, Dan—also a local—are raising their family in the community they grew up in, because they know, in our community, we have a strong, tight-knit electorate. Simone is also Amelia's mum, and Simone, who is in the gallery this evening with her husband, Dan, is living with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Diagnosed in September last year, Simone is having chemotherapy and immunotherapy under the care of the dedicated team at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown. Cholangiocarcinoma is not only rare; it's aggressive. Around 1,300 Australians are diagnosed each year, and outcomes are significantly poorer than for more common cancers.”
“Tonight I want to speak about a remarkable young woman from Thornleigh West Public School and what has motivated her to do an extraordinary thing. In May this year I had the privilege of joining year 6 student Amelia Raison and her school community for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Amelia is just seven years old, and she led the charge with a business plan, organising the event and galvanising her teachers, her classmates, the parents and the wider Thornleigh West family. Together, Thornleigh West Public School families baked, donated and contributed with such generosity that the morning tea raised more than $9,000 for cancer research—a fantastic achievement. What struck me most that day wasn't the generosity of the school community but the leadership of Amelia.”
“Each of these athletes has demonstrated that success comes not only from natural talent but from the discipline to train, the courage to compete and the humility to represent their community with pride. As a community we stand behind them. We'll continue to back their ambitions, recognise their achievements and celebrate their journeys both on and off the field.”
“Georgie Davidson showcased her ability at the 2025 Hockey Australia U16 Championships, while Curtis Pepper proved his skill at the Australian Rowing Championships. In other team sports, Eva Zhang and Zak Morson competed at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships and Ryan Chou represented New South Wales at the School Sport Australia Basketball Championship in the 18 Years and Under category. Kobi McPherson, Christian Morrison, Kai Ueki and Kimi Soong featured in the national basketball league competitions. On the international stage, Logan Bubb and Ava Jones carried the green and gold, representing Australia at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Football Cup.”
“In wheelchair sport, Evander Conroy and Hamish Muir have carried the banner of our community with distinction, while Zara Perry has represented Australia at the Goalball Clubs World Cup in Finland and the Malmo Lady Intercup in Sweden. Alongside them, our local sporting champions are making their mark in a wide array of disciplines. In athletics, Issac Portelli, Mathias Hutchens, Sophia Cottrell, Aniela Knight, Zachary Leung, Cameron Leung, Jack Proudford, Ivy Yang, Amy Campbell, Thomas Scodellaro, Alexander Braendle, Justin Billingsley and Blake Billingsley have shone at a national level. In the pool, Emma Cherry, Lily Sumner and Alannah Sumner have tested themselves against the country's best at national age and open-water titles.”
“I want to first extend my sincere thanks to the Paralympian swimmer Ellie Cole and the Olympian softballer Ellen Roberts, who came to present the awards with me. They are both fantastic Berowra locals. They're an inspiration, demonstrating that, with dedication, young sportspeople don't have to stop competing in sport when they leave school. Let me begin by acknowledging the para champions. In swimming, Abbey Gibbons, Elodie Sebire, Michael Williams have competed at national championships, setting benchmarks for others to follow. In athletics, Cooper Robb-Jackson has earned selection for the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships—an achievement that speaks volumes of his talent and discipline.”
“The Local Sporting Champions program provides grants of up to $750 for people competing in national or international competitions. It's a privilege to have a talented athlete in the family, but the associated costs can put pressure on the family budget. This program recognises that fact and helps to provide a little extra support. My community is filled with young athletes who've made remarkable contributions in their respective sporting codes. Recently, I was able to congratulate several of them who were successful in the Local Para Champions and Local Sporting Champions grant programs, hosting two very special ceremonies in their honour. These occasions are always highlights of my calendar because they bring together the best of our community—talented young people, their supportive families, and the organisations that stand behind them.”
“As I mentioned, this bill has been subjected to the usual scrutiny processes through the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, and was endorsed by the committee. It has also been examined by the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee, and clarifying information from the former responsible minister was provided through that scrutiny process. That being the case, the coalition is pleased to support this bill, and I commend it to the House.”
“Like other schemes, a person does not commit an offence simply because an order is made against them. However, contravening an order is punishable by up to two years jail, or 120 penalty units—currently just under $40,000—or both. These penalties are in line with the penalties for similar schemes. The scheme does not require a worker to apply for an order themselves; applications can also be made by the relevant agency through an authorised person. This means that a worker who has been targeted does not necessarily need to be the one attending a court and applying for a protection order in their own name. We understand that the burden on the state and territory court system is expected to be minimal.”
“The broad definition means that the orders will be able to protect Services Australia employees, Australian Federal Police, contractors, security guards, volunteers and electorate office staff. This approach is sensible and warrants the support of the chamber. In terms of the substance of the protection orders, the bill would also allow a court to direct a person not to attend a particular Commonwealth workplace, not to go near an affected worker and to comply with other appropriate conditions. Only a court can make such an order, and it must be cancelled if the grounds for the order cease to exist. To make this type of order, a court must be satisfied that a person has engaged in personal violence or made threats of personal violence and there is a real risk that the person will engage in further violence if the order is not made.”
“These orders are similar to apprehended and personal violence order schemes that are commonplace in the states and territories. These orders will apply in Commonwealth workplaces or to protect Commonwealth workers. This means the orders can apply to an entire workplace, such as an electorate office or Services Australia centre. It also means that the orders can specifically protect individual Commonwealth workers who have been targeted—whether in the car park, on the way home or outside working hours. As I mentioned previously, the potential risks faced by Commonwealth workers are not just limited to Services Australia employees but are very broad. So the very broad definition of the term 'Commonwealth worker' is appropriate.”
“It's also the employees in our embassies, the contractors and subcontractors on our defence bases, private security guards routinely found on Commonwealth premises, officers of the Australian Federal Police and, indeed, the staff in our electorate offices. As recently as May 2025, two Australian Border Force contractors were assaulted and stabbed whilst at work. This legislation came before parliament last term, and we indicated at the time that we would support the bill after a quick committee inquiry. That committee inquiry was handed down on a bipartisan basis, with a recommendation for minor changes but otherwise supporting the legislation. So the coalition is pleased to reiterate its support for this bill today. In essence, what the bill does is to create a scheme for Commonwealth workplace protection orders.”
“This was a bill to expand the criminal offences for assaulting a frontline worker employed by the Commonwealth. The coalition supported the bill and it passed the parliament on a bipartisan basis. Another one of those recommendations in the Ashton review has led to this bill that we're considering today. As the member for Watson said when reintroducing this bill—and we acknowledge his comments on the need for this and the constructive approach that all sides of politics have taken to this legislation—there have been more than 1,700 serious incidents at Services Australia between July 2023 and July last year. But all of us in this place know that Services Australia employees are not the only ones to face these threats.”
“I rise to speak on the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025. This is the second piece of legislation to come before this parliament in the wake of the horrific attack on a Services Australia employee who was just doing her job. A public servant going about her day—doing her job like public servants in every part of this country—was punched in the face and stabbed in the back, leaving her with life-changing injuries. This is appalling. No Australian should be attacked at work. So, when former Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton made recommendations, following a review of security arrangements at Services Australia and indeed in all Commonwealth workplaces, we took them very seriously. One of those recommendations led to the Criminal Code Amendment (Protecting Commonwealth Frontline Workers) Bill 2024.”
“They had to be dragged kicking and screaming to hold a National Cabinet on antisemitism, again, despite it being a recommendation from the special envoy. What did the National Cabinet do? It found that they merely should set up a database—a database that the Jewish community had been keeping for years. On every occasion when this government has been tested, on every occasion, this government has been found wanting. They have had to be dragged kicking and screaming, again and again, and the Australian people are fed up with it. We want our streets back. We want our country back. We want the rule of law to be maintained, and we want law-abiding Australians, whatever their background, to enjoy the full benefits of the law. (Time expired)”
“Surely, the events of yesterday, in hearing the way in which the Jewish community has yet again been targeted in antisemitic attacks led by the Iranian regime, its thugs and criminal proxies in this country, should wake this government up to do something about the antisemitism in this country. This isn't the only example. The Prime Minister boasted about the Nazi symbols and salutes bill. We in the opposition put forward the Nazi symbols and salutes bill before the government, and they voted against our bill and they put their bill up. This government at the beginning of the year had to be dragged, again, kicking and screaming to adopt mandatory minimum sentences for hate crimes in this country. It's just extraordinary that this government would have to be dragged kicking and screaming for mandatory minimum sentences.”
“If we say to the next generation of leaders that antisemitism is acceptable and it can go about unanswered, then we are setting our country up for a very bleak future. Just this week, this government voted again against measures to deal with antisemitism on campus. The special envoy presented her report two months ago. It wasn't a report full of government actions; it was a work plan for the special envoy. And the government has not committed to adopting this report. The government has not committed to supporting every single one of those recommendations, despite having it for two months.”
“The Prime Minister boasted about the appointment of Jillian Segal as the special envoy. We'd never had an envoy before, but we'd never had to have an envoy before the extraordinary increases in antisemitism—increases of over 700 per cent that occurred under this government. It's just extraordinary. It's one thing to appoint the envoy, but again and again and again this government has ignored the recommendations of the envoy. It ignored the recommendations of the envoy to have a judicial inquiry into antisemitism on campus. What happens on campus today, as I've said many times in this place, is so important. It's not just important for Jewish Australians; it is important for all Australians, because universities are the place where the next generation of leaders go to be formed.”
“There are more actions that Iran has been involved in. The point here is that the government took 2½ years to act. It took ASIO to drag the government, kicking and screaming, to act. We offered support 2½ years ago to make the changes to the law that were necessary in order to make sure that the IRGC was listed, and we called repeatedly for the Iranian ambassador to go. The sadness of what has happened under this government's watch is that this is part of a pattern that we've seen again and again from this government. It has had to be dragged kicking and screaming to do things to protect law-abiding Australians—in particular, the Jewish community. And I'm fed up with it. I'm fed up, as a Jewish Australian, with being served the crumbs from the table of this government. Again and again, this government has let law-abiding Australians down.”
“In February 2023, when I was last shadow Attorney-General, I stood at this dispatch box and offered the opposition's support to make any changes to the criminal law of Australia to facilitate the listing of the IRGC. That was 2½ years ago. My colleagues wrote to the government offering our support in written form, and the government rejected those offers. Yesterday we heard the extraordinary news that the Iranian regime has attempted to commit criminal terrorist acts on our own soil, targeting Australians, firebombing a synagogue and blowing up and burning down the Lewis delicatessen in Bondi. Australians could have been killed. There were Australians praying in the Adass Israel synagogue at the very time the firebombing went on. This is extraordinary. We know from the director-general of ASIO that this is just the beginning.”
“It also acknowledges that there is significant fear of the IRGC in the Iranian-Australian community—a fear which is founded in the clear evidence that the IRGC operates well beyond Iran's borders with the express purpose of threatening, intimidating and committing acts of violence against individuals it believes threatens its ideology. The IRGC is a terrorist organisation and should be recognised as such. Doing so would not just send the right message— This is the important bit— it would better empower agencies in Australia to place a greater focus on the IRGC's activities and operations … So we should have been listing the IRGC two years ago.”
“The Australian Government should have no hesitation in expelling any members of the Iranian embassy deemed to be involved in or facilitating such behaviour. For more than a year we have called for the Iranian ambassador to go, because of his extraordinary antisemitic comments and the fact that he has been part of the degradation of social unity in this country. While we've been doing that, Labor luminaries like former foreign minister Bob Carr have been lining up for happy snaps and photo ops with the Iranian ambassador. On the IRGC, the committee said this: The committee acknowledges the body of evidence on the IRGC's support and facilitation of terrorism.”
“Those protests led to an inquiry by the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, led by my extraordinary colleague Claire Chandler, who did a fantastic job standing up for the Persian community in this country, standing up for law-abiding Australians and drawing the attention of the country to these issues. It's worth having a look at what that committee report said about the Iranian embassy: The committee received evidence that Iranian embassies around the world have been used to facilitate a range of illegal behaviour including terrorism activity. The inquiry also received a number of submissions outlining the credible fears that Iranian embassies are used to facilitate the monitoring, surveillance and intimidation of critics of the … regime.”
“That means listening to your agencies but being prepared to exercise independent judgement and being prepared to change the law when the law needs to be changed. When we look at the IRGC and we look at Iran, we see everything changed in 2022 with the murder of Mahsa Amini. The murder of Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement brought protests to our streets in Australia, with Iranian Australians and Australians of other backgrounds demanding reform, justice and human rights following the violations that occurred in Iran.”
“It is my duty as a member of this parliament to represent the views of my electorate. It is my duty as a Jewish Australian to stand up for the Jewish community and for the safety of all Australians. I wish the government would get on the front foot when it comes to these issues, but again and again and again they've had to be dragged kicking and screaming to get things right. Their failure to take action on the IRGC and on the Iranian embassy has led, sadly, to firebombings, to arson and to widespread fear in our community. It is the first duty of government to protect its citizens. That means acting to keep threats at bay before they become a problem. That means looking at what some of our like-minded partners around the world are doing—places like Canada and the United States—and challenging our own thinking.”
“I wish I could give the Prime Minister the praise he is looking for for his work on antisemitism. I really do. But I can't. I wish the government had demonstrated the leadership of the Labor premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, who but for his slowness to act on the Sydney Opera House protest has since that time always been on the front foot in dealing with antisemitism and community safety. He is an example of a Labor leader who gets it right. I am sad that, every time I raise questions that reflect the views of my electorate, where I represent the fourth-largest Persian community in the country, or the Jewish community, of which I'm a proud member, I get accused of playing politics with this issue. It is our duty as the opposition to hold the government to account.”