Duttons demands more info from PM about attacks on Jewish communities

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has demanded more information about investigations into potential foreign influence over antisemitic attacks in Australia.

Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the Australian Federal Police is looking into cases where it seems actors outside Australia are paying for attacks on the Jewish community here.

The Prime Minister’s comments follow AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw briefing National Cabinet on the investigations on Monday evening (21 January).

The PM, addressing the media on Tuesday, said investigations have been underway for some time.

“One of the things that’s important is that the AFP be allowed to do their job along with NSW Police,” Mr Albanese said.

“So, the AFP Commissioner has provided more information about the investigations that have occurred. But of course, those investigations are ongoing.

“I’m reluctant to say anything that compromises those investigations.

“But it is important that people understand where some of these attacks are coming from, and it would appear, as the AFP Commissioner said, [that they] are being perpetrated by people who don’t have a particular issue, aren’t motivated by an ideology, but are paid actors.

“Now, it’s unclear who or where the payments are coming from. The AFP Commissioner will continue to do his job as the head of Operation Avalite, and we have cooperation across the board from Commonwealth and state police and intelligence agencies as well.”

Mr Dutton isn’t happy with that though, insisting the PM shed more light on what is known about overseas influence.

The Opposition Leader asked why this was the first time it had been mentioned.

“The Prime Minister needs to be honest here,” Mr Dutton said.

“Are these state actors, are they organised crime groups, or are they antisemitic groups?

“Frankly, it shines a spotlight on the fact the Commonwealth government should have deployed resources much earlier.”

Mr Albanese said resources have been boosted and investigations are ongoing.

“The point is that when you have an investigation, sometimes it’s a really good idea to not tell the people who you are investigating exactly all of that detail, and that is what’s going on here. Nothing more, nothing less,” the Prime Minister said.

“I’ll leave that to the AFP. I am not going to compromise the investigations. We want to hunt down these perpetrators. We want to see them face the full force of the law.

“This action is ongoing. The reason why more transparency has been made out there – the decision made by the police authorities themselves to be more transparent – is to make it clear the action which is taking place on the ground, given suggestions by some in order to secure some perceived political advantage, that that wasn’t occurring.

“It is occurring. People are being arrested. They’re being charged, and they’re still in the clink because they’re being denied bail. That’s appropriate. We want perpetrators to face the full force of the law for what is criminal activity.”

Mr Albanese also criticised the Opposition Leader for pressuring police and intelligence agencies for more information and politicising the issue.

“Peter Dutton, as someone who was responsible for some national security issues as Minister for Home Affairs, should know better,” he said.

“We have acted.”

Shadow home affairs minister James Paterson backed his leader, saying the government must release more information about foreign influence over antisemitic crimes occurring in Australia.

“If it is true, it is a gravely serious issue. It will be one of the most serious security crises that Australia has faced in peacetime,” Senator Paterson said.

“It either means that a transnational terrorist organisation is sponsoring attacks in Australia or that a foreign government is engaged in state-sponsored terror, targeting the Jewish community in Australia.

“This claim will strike terrible fear in the heart of the Jewish community and other Australians who feel like they’re on the receiving end of this.”

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, however, described Senator Paterson’s remarks as unhelpful.

“The Australian Federal Police will have very deliberate reasons for what they put out in the public and when they do it, and they operate independently, as they should,” Mr Burke said.

“I certainly would not join in what I thought was a surprising and potentially naive call from Paterson when you are just randomly saying, ‘Oh, we need more information on this’.

“They should put out the information that they think helps with the investigation.”