Federal election exposes deep fault lines on Jewish community issues

May 1, 2025 by Rob Klein

With only days remaining until the federal election, Jewish Australians are approaching the vote with unprecedented concern, faced with increased antisemitism, conflict in Israel, and growing anxiety about community safety.

In this critical environment, a detailed survey of candidates conducted by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) in combination with a survey of leaders by Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) has revealed clear divisions between parties on matters central to the Jewish community’s security, identity, and future.

In the ECAJ survey, candidates contesting the key seats of Bradfield, Goldstein, Kingsford Smith, Macnamara, and Wentworth, each with significant Jewish populations, were asked to respond to 22 comprehensive questions covering domestic and foreign policy issues that impact Australia’s Jews. Their responses, or in some cases their refusal to engage directly, offer voters a clear insight into which candidates propose concrete measures to address antisemitism, support Israel, and safeguard Jewish communal life in Australia.

Similarly, the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) submitted 11 questions to both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, seeking each party’s positions on key issues. The Coalition provided a detailed, point-by-point response, while Labor submitted a comprehensive letter from the Prime Minister outlining the government’s record and guiding principles.

Labor’s response reaffirmed its support for Israel and condemned Hamas for the October 7 atrocities and ongoing acts of terror. The letter stressed that a two-state solution remains essential for long-term peace and security. While reaffirming Australia’s traditional support for a negotiated outcome, Labor stated that recognition of a Palestinian state could now occur during peace talks, not only at the end. The Albanese Government made clear there is no role for Hamas in any future Palestinian state.

On domestic matters, Labor pointed to its record of allocating over $78 million for security at Jewish community sites, $14 million for Holocaust education, and the appointment of Australia’s first Special Envoy for Antisemitism, Jillian Segal. The government also initiated a parliamentary inquiry into antisemitism on university campuses, chaired by Josh Burns. Labor emphasized its enactment of new hate crime legislation that criminalizes speech advocating or threatening violence against religious groups and places of worship.

The Coalition pledged to restore Australia’s traditional approach to Israel at the United Nations by voting against one-sided resolutions and opposing unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. They would resume talks on a free trade agreement with Israel, maintain bipartisan support for Israel’s right to self-defence, and cease funding to UNRWA, redirecting aid through trusted partners.

Domestically, the Coalition promised to establish a national Antisemitism Taskforce led by the AFP, introduce visa cancellations for offenders, fund armed guards at Jewish schools, and deliver over $100 million in new security and infrastructure funding to Jewish institutions. It would also declare a national emergency on antisemitism and coordinate a cross-agency government response under a dedicated minister. Unlike Labor, the Coalition stated it would immediately seek to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

On public broadcasting, the Coalition argued for stronger accountability at the ABC and SBS, calling for a robust complaints process to ensure content meets the standards of balance and impartiality set out in their respective charters. Labor, in contrast, defended the editorial independence of the public broadcasters and highlighted existing mechanisms for public and parliamentary oversight.

Both major parties expressed support for the Jewish community following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Labor highlighted its record, including $78 million for security at Jewish schools and community facilities, over $14 million for Holocaust education, and a university antisemitism inquiry led by Josh Burns. The Coalition stated this approach was insufficient and promised a judicial inquiry into antisemitism with the power to compel evidence and testimony. It also committed to measures such as a dedicated police task force, visa cancellations for individuals involved in antisemitic acts, and major funding for Jewish institutions, including $35 million to rebuild Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue and $10 million for Moriah College security.

Both parties affirmed their support for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. However, Labor now sees recognition of a Palestinian state as a possibility during peace negotiations, while the Coalition argued this should only occur after a final agreement is reached.

On Australia’s role at the United Nations, the Coalition pledged to oppose anti-Israel resolutions and called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be designated a terrorist organization. Labor did not respond to that question.
These national positions are reflected and sharpened in the campaigns of local candidates.

Bradfield
Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian aligned herself closely with the Coalition’s national platform. She described the post-October 7 rise in antisemitism as a crisis and backed a new Antisemitism Taskforce involving the AFP, ASIO, AUSTRAC, Border Force, and state police. She also supported visa cancellations for antisemitic offenders and consistent national law enforcement. Kapterian backed embedding Holocaust education in the national curriculum and pledged funding for every schoolchild to visit a Holocaust museum.
Labor’s Louise McCallum did not answer the ECAJ survey directly and referred instead to the Prime Minister’s letter. No new commitments were provided.
Independent Nicolette Boele submitted a general letter affirming that “every Australian should live free from hatred and fear” and expressed a desire for “a safer and more inclusive Australia,” but did not respond to specific policy proposals such as the establishment of a national taskforce, enhanced Holocaust education, or visa sanctions for antisemitic conduct.

Goldstein
Liberal candidate Tim Wilson reiterated support for the Coalition’s antisemitism action plan, including a new taskforce, a national hate crimes database, and mandatory Holocaust education. He supported the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism across universities and public institutions.
Labor’s Nildhara Gadani referred to the Prime Minister’s general letter and offered no additional policies.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel provided a letter unequivocally condemning antisemitism and expressing deep concern for the Jewish community in the wake of the October 7 attacks. She acknowledged the fear and distress felt by Australian Jews and affirmed their right to live safely and without prejudice. Daniel stated that while she did not support the creation of a new Antisemitism Taskforce, she believed strongly in addressing hatred through improved education, interfaith dialogue, and respectful political discourse. She committed to ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders but emphasized that policy responses must be balanced, proportionate, and developed in consultation with all affected communities.

Kingsford Smith
Liberal candidate Brad Cole endorsed the national taskforce and a national hate crimes database. He called for universities to be held accountable for antisemitic encampments and pledged that institutions allowing antisemitic harassment would risk losing federal funding.
Labor incumbent Matt Thistlethwaite cited the government’s record, including legislation against Nazi symbols and the launch of Special Operation Avalite to investigate antisemitism. He did not propose new initiatives such as a taskforce or further education investment.

Macnamara
Labor MP Josh Burns submitted a deeply personal letter describing constant abuse since October 7 and reaffirming his commitment to the Jewish community. Burns highlighted efforts to criminalize doxing, ban Nazi salutes, secure more than $70 million in security funding, and lead a university antisemitism inquiry that led to 39 universities adopting the IHRA definition.
Liberal candidate Benson Saulo pledged strong action under a future Coalition government. He endorsed the antisemitism taskforce, a national hate crimes database, more police training, and enforcement of the IHRA definition in public institutions.
One Nation’s Sean Rubin accused Labor and the Greens of failing to address antisemitism. He called for deportations and strong law enforcement responses.

Wentworth
Liberal candidate Ro Knox strongly endorsed the Coalition’s national antisemitism strategy, pledging support for the proposed Antisemitism Taskforce, stating it would provide “a coordinated national response to protect Jewish Australians and uphold democratic values.” Knox called for expanded criminal penalties for hate speech and vilification and committed to strengthening Holocaust education so that “no Australian forgets where hatred can lead.” She also supported the enforcement of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in public institutions and universities and backed robust action against efforts to delegitimise Israel at home and abroad.
Labor candidate Savanna Peake echoed the Prime Minister’s general letter and made no new commitments.
Independent MP Allegra Spender said both major parties had failed to respond adequately to the rise in antisemitism and that political leaders needed to show moral courage, not just make statements. She highlighted her unsuccessful attempt to introduce a private member’s bill earlier this year that would have criminalised extreme hate speech, including incitement against Jews. She reaffirmed her commitment to pushing for legislation that tackles hate speech and protects vulnerable communities.

Since October 7, many Australian Jews feel the stakes have fundamentally shifted. The sharp rise in antisemitism, coupled with what some see as a shift in government policy regarding Israel, has left some in the community feeling vulnerable and politically unsettled. For some, this is not just another election; it is being described as the most important of their lifetime, with core questions of safety, identity, and national values on the ballot.

A C4C party’s member response is below

I note that Labor’s position of affirming a Palestinian State at this time show totally stupidity, as i would expect from them as they do not understand that Israel in an endeavor to appease her terrorist enemies has given land for peace and obtain more terrorist violence. There cannot be a further 2 state solution without a peace partner the Palestinian movement is about the elimination of Israel and all the Jewish people – they have said in many ways and many times it is the only certain truth they speak and so on the basis of that anyone who speaks of an additional two state solution are totally deluded to the facts before them that have been spoken loud and clear by both words and actions over the 30 years at least.