As tensions between Israel and its neighbours escalate, a former Australian Attorney General has urged governments to consider implementing measures to safeguard the country's Jewish community. Mark Dreyfus, a federal Labor backbencher and practising Jew, spoke out at the ongoing royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion in Melbourne, highlighting the need for greater protection against hate-fuelled protests.
Mr Dreyfus drew inspiration from a 2019 High Court decision in Victoria and Tasmania that upheld safe access zone laws, which prohibit protests within 150 metres of abortion clinics. He believes similar restrictions could be explored to shield Jewish Australians from harassment, stating: “It’s time to consider whether we need some similar restriction on protest activity outside synagogues, on protest activity outside schools and Jewish places of gathering... not to ban political protest, but rather to protect the safety and security of our community.” This timely proposal comes as the royal commission delves into security arrangements for the Jewish community in its fifth block of hearings.
Commissioners heard compelling evidence on Monday that Australia's Jewish community faces a “substantial and ongoing threat” to their safety and security. The strain is evident in the shrinking of communal life, with Jewish institutions shouldering significant costs to employ security guards. Mr Dreyfus recounted his own distressing experience following the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, and an April 2024 incident where he was subjected to antisemitic abuse outside Victoria's state library.
Beyond protest restrictions, Mr Dreyfus also championed a new criminal offence for vilification, mirroring laws already in place in New South Wales and Victoria. He further pressed the case for a “private right of action” under the proposed digital duty of care, which would enable the swift removal of online abuse from social media platforms, arguing that this cannot be solely left to the eSafety Commissioner.
Witnesses from state-based Jewish Community Security Groups (CSGs) provided harrowing testimony, highlighting the escalating threat landscape. Data suggests that combined protection requirements for CSGs nationwide have nearly doubled since October 2023, leaving these volunteer-led organisations struggling to meet the increased demand with insufficient staffing.