Katie Allen (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in this place to support the motion put by the member for Wentworth and commend the strong support for the motion by the member for Macnamara. It's pleasing to see such bipartisan support on this very important issue. 'Justice, justice, you shall pursue.' These penetrating and powerful words from the Book of Deuteronomy resonate in everything that we must do in this place and must do for society. It's time that the pursuit of justice succeeds in the case to extradite Malka Leifer. Malka Leifer, the former principal of the Adass Israel girls school in Melbourne, left Australia almost 12 years ago after child sex abuse allegations against her surfaced.

I recently had the privilege of meeting Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer here in Canberra following the anniversary of our national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sex abuse. I had the opportunity to sit with them and to hear their story. I was astounded by Dassi and Nicole's overwhelming sense of strength, courage and, above all, bravery. These sisters have been fighting for justice for themselves and for survivors of sexual abuse. Long-lasting impacts can include guilt, shame and anger.

The important thing is that, because justice has not been served, closure cannot occur. Abuse can occur over a person's lifetime and impact every facet of their lives. Child sexual abuse can affect many areas of a person's life: mental health, interpersonal relationships, physical health, sexual identity, gender identity; sexual behaviour, connection to culture; spirituality and religious involvement; interactions with society; and education, employment and economic security. These are not small things. During the royal commission on institutional responses into child sex abuse, 94.9 per cent of interviewees reported suffering from mental health impacts. We also now know how an institution's response to child abuse claims can have a very profound effect and impact on children. It can compound the issues if ignored or it can help alleviate the impacts if recognised and steps are taken to respond and rectify the situation. I know this as a paediatrician, having cared for families for 28 years at the Royal Children's Hospital. It's important that closure occurs.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 19:06 to 19:18

As I was saying, the extraordinary situation is that this case was raised first 12 years ago. It is five years and 60 court cases since the extradition was lodged for 74 charges of sex abuse. A psychiatric panel has finally declared that Malka Leifer is fit for extradition, in January this year, and that is after the determination of so many people on all sides of parliament, at state and federal levels.

Australia stands side by side with Israel. We have a shared democracy. Our judiciaries are both independent, as they should be. Our religions have a shared history as well: both are built on tenets of respect, justice, peace and love. It is with this in mind that my colleagues and I, on both sides of the House, respectfully make this plea today to urge the Israeli government to step in and ensure that Malka Leifer returns, in line with the formal extradition request made in 2014.

The ripple effects of child sexual abuse can have adverse and ongoing social, cultural and economic impacts. The Jewish community is strong in faith and culture in Melbourne, where my seat of Higgins is, but it is disappointing that this dark cloud is still hanging over the Jewish community after repeated calls from so many state and federal MPs on both sides of politics, and Jewish leaders too, to bring Malka Leifer to Australia so she can face the justice system and her accusers.

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