I want to turn to the political reaction now, as we’ve seen the government announce major changes to combat anti‑Semitism in Australia. Joining me live is Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Scarr. Paul, thanks very much for your time this afternoon.
You will have seen the Prime Minister’s detailed announcement today — five major measures aimed at tackling the scourge of anti‑Semitism, including a new aggregated hate‑speech offence, increased penalties, and making hate an aggravated factor in sentencing. What did you make of the government’s suite of measures?
Senator Scarr
Too late and not far enough. Too late and not far enough.
This afternoon, under the leadership of Sussan Ley, the Coalition released a comprehensive package of reforms that we believe should be implemented immediately. Parliament should be recalled now. We need to pass legislation now. We need to act now.
Trudy McIntosh
The Prime Minister argued today that he was open to recalling Parliament but said the legislation is complex, and the government wants to ensure it gets the drafting right. Is that a fair balance — that this might need to wait until after Christmas?
Senator Scarr
I know this is complex legislation. Since being elected in 2019, I’ve sat on the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. I’ve sat on inquiries into Julian Leeser’s private member’s bill calling for an inquiry into anti‑Semitism on Australian university campuses — a bill the government did not support. I’ve also sat on inquiries into his bill on hate symbols. So yes, I understand the complexity. But the truth is reforms in this area have been called for by the Jewish community for years. The arguments are well understood. Formulations of words have been provided. There is no reason Parliament cannot be recalled so we can get on with the work Australians expect us to do. Do it now.
Trudy McIntosh
On hate speech, the Home Affairs Minister wouldn’t say today whether slogans like “From the river to the sea” or “Globalize the intifada” would fail this new strengthened test. Should they? These slogans have been used at protests across the country in recent years. Should they meet the new threshold?
Senator Scarr
Absolutely. From my perspective, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti‑Semitism should be inserted into law. That definition makes clear that legitimate criticism of the Israeli Government is allowed, but it also clearly captures anti‑Semitic rhetoric. There should no longer be any quibbling. Insert it into the law.
Trudy McIntosh
Regarding the proposed visa powers — cancelling visas or rejecting applications due to anti‑Semitism — the Opposition has been calling for stricter vetting. But how difficult is that for bureaucrats? People aren’t likely to openly declare anti‑Semitic views on social media before applying for a visa.
Senator Scarr
What’s clear is we need substantial strengthening of the Migration Act. Since taking on this portfolio, I’ve been struck by how complicated and obscure some of these provisions are. When people apply for temporary, provisional, or permanent visas, they sign an undertaking to comply with Australian values — obeying the law and respecting the rights and liberties of all Australians. What we saw last Sunday was a desecration of those values. We need clarity in the law stating that individuals who hold anti‑Semitic or extremist beliefs should not be granted visas. If they are already here and engage in this rhetoric or conduct — or associate with those who do — their visas should be cancelled. We must also ensure the language and process are right, so people cannot simply mount technical defences and end up in the legal system or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for years. We need to get this right. Recall Parliament. Act now.
Trudy McIntosh
Some argue this sparks a broader debate about migration settings. The Coalition had planned to release migration principles before Christmas. Will that still happen? Or would a broader migration debate cloud the conversation about anti‑Semitism?
Senator Scarr
The focus right now must be on the urgent action needed after what happened last Sunday. You’ve seen the Coalition respond by establishing the task force yesterday. The task force has already produced a raft of proposals that would implement all 49 recommendations from the Special Envoy, strengthen our counter‑terrorism laws, increase funding for security agencies, and ensure agencies can monitor individuals on terrorist watch lists — and identify those who should be on those lists. That must be the focus.
Trudy McIntosh
You’ve spent a lot of time in multicultural communities. How does the Coalition strike the balance between taking firm action against anti‑Semitism while ensuring people still feel included during this difficult national conversation?
Senator Scarr
What happened on Sunday — and anti‑Semitism more broadly — stands in absolute opposition to Australian values. The foundation of our society is that regardless of where you come from, your religion, ethnicity, race, gender, or sexuality, we are all committed to those core Australian values: obeying the law and respecting the rights and liberties of every other Australian. What we saw on Sunday violated those values. And I believe that across the country, everyone committed to Australian values is united. We need urgent action. And we need it now.
Trudy McIntosh
Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Scarr — appreciate your time. Thank you.
Senator Scarr
Thanks very much.
