Too Little, Too Late: Albanese’s Failure on Antisemitism Exposed
The attempted targeting of Sydney’s Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum has revealed a disturbing truth: Australia’s Jewish community has been under attack for months while the federal government failed to act. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent condemnation of antisemitic activity rings hollow after 15 months of inaction, during which violent incidents and hate-fuelled threats have escalated.
The discovery of explosives in a caravan in Dural on January 19, along with information regarding key Jewish sites in Sydney, underscores the severity of the threat. Police now believe this plot is linked to months of orchestrated antisemitic attacks, yet the government has only now found its voice. The Prime Minister’s vow to “hunt down and lock up” perpetrators is too little, too late. Where was this determination a year ago when Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses first raised the alarm?
Despite growing evidence of coordination among extremist elements, authorities have been slow to respond. Several individuals on the periphery of the Dural caravan plot, including Scott Marshall and Tammie Farrugia, are in custody on unrelated charges, but the masterminds remain at large. Peter Wertheim of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has warned that until the “puppet masters” are apprehended, the community remains at risk. Rabbi Benjamin Elton of the Great Synagogue has been advised to alter his daily route for safety—a sobering reality for Australian Jews in 2025.
While the government defends its handling of the crisis, the Jewish community and security experts tell a different story. Private security firms have seen a surge in demand for protection at Jewish institutions, filling the void left by an unresponsive government. Meanwhile, ASIO director general Mike Burgess has ruled out raising the terror threat level, despite clear evidence of organised and escalating antisemitic activity.
Even international figures are calling out the government’s failure. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has condemned the spread of antisemitism in Australia as “almost unchecked,” demanding stronger action. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also criticised the government’s passive response, rightly pointing out that leadership means proactive prevention, not reactive platitudes.
Prime Minister Albanese had over a year to take meaningful action against the rise in antisemitism. Instead, he waited until a near-tragedy forced his hand. Condemnation after the fact does nothing to restore trust or provide security to a community under siege. The time for decisive leadership was 15 months ago—now, it may be too late.
