February 12, 2025
The appalling video circulating online, showing NSW healthcare workers displaying vile antisemitic behaviour, is utterly disgraceful and deeply disturbing.
The unprecedented rise in antisemitic hatred we have seen over the last 16 months is not just a concern for the Jewish community; it is a national crisis that demands a strong and unified response and unequivocal leadership.
Australia must stand firm against all forms of antisemitism.
Shadow Minister for Health, Senator Anne Ruston, said Australia’s healthcare system must be a place of safety, respect and dignity for all.
“It is not good enough to merely stand these healthcare workers down. The relevant authorities must also access whether they should continue to practise in the health field ever again.
“No Australian should fear for their safety in our hospitals. Our healthcare system is there to support the health and well being of our entire community, and that must be upheld as a matter of utmost priority.
“The broader culture of this hospital must be examined to ensure that this is nothing more than an isolated incident from rogue individuals.”
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator James Paterson said, "This sickening video is just another disturbing incident in Australia's out-of-control antisemitism crisis.”
“No one should ever feel unsafe in the hands of staff at a hospital because of their faith.”
“Such behaviour cannot be tolerated. The AFP and NSW police must immediately investigate whether this conduct meets a criminal threshold, including under the Criminal Code Amendment passed last week."
Last week, strong mandatory penalties and new offences for antisemitic attacks passed the Federal Parliament following the leadership of Peter Dutton on this serious issue.
Only a Dutton Coalition government will show the strength and leadership needed to curb this out-of-control antisemitic crisis.
ENDS
