Allan government leading Australia down a ‘race-dividing road'
'I mentioned this treaty process being foisted on Victorians by a hard left Labor state government earlier in the week. Well, we now have a lot more detail and it's a whole lot worse than any of us realised, me included,' Mr Price said.
'Put simply, a standing royal commission paid for by Victorian taxpayers to the tune of $65 million so far has sat for four years.
This thing is called the Yoorrook Justice Commission and has handed down to Parliament its final report, it's got 100 recommendations and they expect to be ticked off by the Parliament.
'It's a race-dividing road we should not be going down, but sadly, we are already well down that road.'
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West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
Australia's Jewish communities need increased protection, Opposition tell Prime Minister
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been urged to do more to protect Australia's Jewish communities following an arson attack on an east Melbourne synagogue on Friday night. Some 20 people were inside the synagogue at the time of the incident, in which flammable liquid was poured on the front door and set alight. The occupants managed to escape via the rear of the building and no one was injured. Shadow attorney-general Julian Leeser said Mr Albanese needed to follow the lead of other world leaders in lifting efforts to protect Jewish communities from hateful attacks against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East. Mr Leeser said the PM had ignored a letter, sent on June 15, from Opposition leader Sussan Ley, shadow minister for home affairs Andrew Hastie and himself which had stressed the need for greater protection. 'This is a very sad day for Australia . . . one of the oldest synagogues in Australia has been fire bombed,' he told reporters on Saturday. 'It's a synagogue that bespeaks the rich and long history of the Jewish people in this country. There's even a prayer for the King there that goes back to Queen Victoria's time in both Hebrew and English. 'This is an attack on all Australians. It is not just an attack on the Jewish community and it sickens me, but yet again the Jewish community is having to put up with these attacks, and the increasing anti-Semitism people think has gone away but continues, sadly, unabated.' Mr Leeser said the Opposition was putting the PM on notice to take more steps to protect the Jewish community. 'I don't know that he's done all he can here,' he said. 'We're calling on him to explain what measures he has taken to protect the Jewish community, and if he didn't take increased measures, why he didn't take increased measures at that time.' Mr Leeser said there needed to be increased police presence and security around Jewish community buildings. 'We have got to put an end to the hate that we see in this country,' he said. Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has condemned the synagogue attack as 'disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards'. 'That this happened on Shabbat makes it all the more abhorrent,' she said in a statement. 'Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of anti-Semitism.' On Saturday, police released the image of a man detectives want to speak to about the incident. He has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be in his 30s with a beard and long hair. Damage from the fire was contained to the front entrance.
Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Melbourne synagogue fire forces evacuation amid protest disruption at restaurant
A suspicious fire at an East Melbourne synagogue has forced those inside to flee through the rear of the building, with Premier Jacinta Allan slamming the 'disgraceful behaviour'. Police also responded to a protest targeting an Israeli restaurant in the city's CBD near the same time. An unknown man entered the grounds of the Albert St synagogue at about 8pm, pouring a flammable liquid on the front door and setting it alight before fleeing on foot, police say. Firefighters attended the scene and the fire was contained to the entrance. Police have confirmed about 20 people were inside the synagogue at the time of the incident and were forced to escape through the rear entrance. No injuries were reported. An arson chemist will examine the scene and police are reviewing CCTV and other evidence. The motivation behind the incident is still being investigated. 'Police are engaging with people from the synagogue and other representatives from the Jewish community to ensure appropriate supports are in place,' Victoria Police said in a statement. 'There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour.' East Melbourne Synagogue rabbi Dovid Gutnik said the community was 'lucky' the fire didn't escalate further. 'There were children playing … this is a family synagogue,' Rabbi Gutnik said. 'That's the really scary thing because they could have opened the door and the person clearly had bigger plans, 'It could have been a lot worse because those doors are wooden and there's carpet, so we were lucky the response was quick.' Rabbi Gutnik said they were considering enhancing security but emphasised that a place of worship shouldn't need such extreme measures. 'We actually have some really good security measures, which actually were tested and held up last night,' he said. 'If there's anything more than we can do it's more of an emotional thing than a practical thing.' In a separate incident, about 70 protesters gathered on Swanston Street about 5.30pm to demonstrate against police presence at public rallies. Police said a smaller group then split off just after 8pm and walked to a restaurant on Hardware Lane and began shouting offensive chants. The front door of popular Israeli restaurant Miznon was smashed during the chaos. Police were called to the scene and directed the group to leave. A 28-year-old from Footscray was arrested for hindering police and released on summons. Others were identified for possible follow-up. 'Victoria Police is disappointed with the actions of protesters in the Melbourne CBD on Friday night,' police said in a statement. 'Victoria Police continued to support the rights of Victorians to protest peacefully but will not tolerate the kind of anti-social and violent behaviour that was witnessed this evening.' Miznon confirmed they were still planning to open on Saturday. Ms Allan has labelled the synagogue fire as anti-Semitism, saying it had 'no place in Victoria'. 'Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of anti-Semitism,' Ms Allan said. 'This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards,' she said. 'That this happened on Shabbat makes it all the more abhorrent.' Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he was 'angry' and 'dismayed' about Friday's events. 'The criminal attacks on Israeli businesses in the CBD and the East Melbourne Synagogue are shocking, and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,' Mr Reece said. 'I am angry and dismayed that once again our community is confronted with the despicable and racist actions of a few people. My thoughts are with the Jewish and Israeli communities, who are hurting deeply after these vile attacks. 'Everyone deserves the right to enjoy the most basic human acts, like practising your faith or enjoying a meal, without being attacked or vilified.' Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin called for those responsible to face the 'full force of the law'. 'These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the antisemitism crisis is not only continuing, but getting worse. We urge all sides of politics and all Australians to condemn these deplorable crimes,' he said. 'Those who chant for death are not peace activists. Those who would burn houses of prayer with families inside do not seek an end to war.' Originally published as Synagogue fire sparks evacuation, protesters target Israeli restaurant in Melbourne
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Synagogue hit with arson attack, diners 'terrorised'
Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea, in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea, in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea, in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea, in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating".
