Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is facing scrutiny over his government's responses to the issue of antisemitism, with criticism directed at the perceived lack of empathy and sensitivity in addressing the crisis. In particular, concerns have been raised regarding the Australian government's representation at international events related to antisemitism, such as the commemoration in Poland marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
The choice of cabinet ministers, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, to represent Australia at such events has sparked controversy, with many in the Australian Jewish community expressing negative views towards Wong's perceived unsympathetic stance towards Israel. Additionally, the delayed response in convening a national cabinet meeting on antisemitism and the subsequent decision to establish a database of antisemitic incidents have been criticized as underwhelming and overdue actions. Calls for more decisive measures and a better understanding of the underlying issues have intensified pressure on the government to address the crisis effectively.
While the government is scrambling to tackle the rising tide of antisemitism, concerns have also been raised about the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies like the federal and state police as well as ASIO in handling the intricate nature of these hate crimes. Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw's revelation that "criminals for hire" may be involved in some incidents underscores the challenges faced by authorities in identifying and addressing the perpetrators behind these acts of antisemitism. Furthermore, the presence of Islamophobia as a pervasive issue in society has also been highlighted by the government's special envoy to combat Islamophobia, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach towards fostering social cohesion and addressing various forms of hatred and discrimination in the community.