Josh Burns (Macnamara, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to thank the more than 600 leaders of the Australian community who took a stand against antisemitism. There has been a more than 482 per cent increase in incidents of antisemitism in Australia since the 7 October attacks. Let me make something very clear. If you are targeting Jewish businesses in Australia, that is antisemitism. If you are targeting Jewish university students in Australia, that is antisemitism. If you are targeting Jewish school students in Australia, that is antisemitism. If you are targeting Jewish artists and creatives here in Australia, that is antisemitism. If you are targeting Jewish community organisations here in Australia, that is antisemitism.

We believe in this country in standing against all forms of racism and bigotry, not just because it's the right thing to do, which it is, but because it's the Australian thing to do. We here in this country celebrate our multiculturalism, we celebrate our minorities and we celebrate our diversity. No matter who you are and what religion you hold, we celebrate you. And so, today, leaders around the country took a stand, and I thank them for this. I ask leave of the House to table their names and table their statement on behalf of the Jewish community and this parliament as well.

Leave granted.

I thank the House.