Earlier today, the Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley announced the establishment of a Task Force on Antisemitism, Extremism and Counter-Terrorism. This follows the Islamic State inspired terrorist act at Bondi Beach last Sunday. An evil act of antisemitism.
“One of the priorities of the Task Force is to drive full implementation of the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism. The Special Envoy made strong recommendations in relation to migration and citizenship policy. The recommendations must be implemented in full without delay”, Senator Scarr said.
The Special Envoy made the following recommendations in relation to migration policy:
- Screening visa applicants for antisemitic views or affiliations, consistent with a risk-based approach.
- Ensuring the Migration Act (and associated decision-making and review processes) effectively facilitates visa refusals and cancellations for antisemitic conduct and rhetoric.
- The Special Envoy providing antisemitism training to staff within the Department of Home Affairs and all those involved in processing visa applications.
Senator Scarr continued “When people apply for atemporary, provisional or permanent visa to come to Australia, they sign an undertaking to conduct themselves in accordance with Australian values. That means obeying the law and respecting the rights and liberties of everyone in our country.
“Antisemitism is diametrically opposed to Australian values. What happened last Sunday was a desecration of our Australian values and way of life. The Special Envoy has provided the plan. It must be implemented in full.”
