House debates

Thursday, 13 February 2025

Statements by Members

Antisemitism

1:56 pm

Photo of Jerome LaxaleJerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

() (): We have all seen the video of two health workers making disgusting and hateful comments towards Jewish Australians. This video is abhorrent, their words are vile, and it is right to unequivocally condemn them. This morning, nurses who had planned a pay dispute picket line outside the New South Wales parliament instead held a solidarity rally following the release of this video, and leading the pack was a Bennelong local—Alison Brannelly. Alison lives in Denison and works at Concord hospital. Alison could only watch part of that video last night. After a few seconds, she had seen enough. She rallied today because she wanted to send a message of solidarity for all the people cared for in the health system. She said this to the Sydney Morning Herald:'Every patient that comes in the door gets cared for whatever their race, whatever their religion. Nurses will look after them. Everyone in New South Wales Health will look after them.'

New South Wales nurses have their own issues at the moment. They're overworked, tired and deserve a pay rise, yet today nurses like Alison put that aside to show unity and strength—unity with all Jewish Australians and strength to call out antisemitism and say 'enough is enough'. I'm proud of Alison for taking a stand today, not only on behalf of nurses but on behalf of everyone who lives in Bennelong. We all stand against antisemitism. Thank you, Alison.

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