Photo credit: Bankstown West Public School – Licenced under Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution (CC BY 4.0)
Minister for Education Jason Clare has strongly condemned the recent suspected antisemitic attack on a daycare centre in Maroubra, Sydney, calling it a “despicable” act. Speaking to ABC News Breakfast, Clare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting vulnerable communities in Australia.
The attack, which occurred earlier this week, involved a fire that caused extensive damage to the building. Emergency services also discovered antisemitic graffiti scrawled on the property’s walls, deepening concerns within Australia’s Jewish community. The incident has been described by officials, including prime minister Anthony Albanese and NSW premier Chris Minns, as “abhorrent.”
In his interview, Clare expressed empathy for Jewish Australians who are grappling with fear and anger following the attack. “What happened the night before last is truly despicable,” he said. “What sort of [person] would attack a childcare centre of all things? This is an act of antisemitism, pure and simple, and there’s no place for that poison of antisemitism in Australia or, for that matter, anywhere around the world.”
The attack comes amid broader concerns about a rise in antisemitism across the country. Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, recently voiced her worries, urging the Australian Government to take stronger action. However, Clare defended the government’s response, noting recent investments in security and new legislative measures.
“Within two weeks of October 7, we allocated an extra $25 million to help provide extra security for schools and preschools and synagogues right across the country,” Clare explained. “We’ve now more than doubled that funding. In addition to that we’ve set up a federal police taskforce. The New South Wales Government, the Victorian Government have set up state police taskforces as well. We’re introducing legislation. There’s legislation in the parliament to make hate speech a crime and real jail time attached to that.”
Clare acknowledged the ongoing fear among Jewish Australians despite these efforts and emphasised the importance of law enforcement in addressing the issue. “There’s about eight people, I think, the premier of New South Wales said yesterday that have already been arrested,” he said. “I was heartened overnight to hear the AFP commissioner said that they’ve got 15 active investigations and that they hope that more arrests will come shortly.”
Clare also highlighted community-based initiatives, such as Rabbi Zalman Kastel’s Together for Humanity program, which fosters tolerance and understanding among people of different faiths. “Australians know this – we’re not born racist, it’s something that’s learnt. Programs like that in our schools are very, very important.”
The attack on the daycare centre has prompted swift government action to support affected families. Clare announced that workers would continue to receive wages through childcare subsidies.
“We’re also working with the families at the moment to make sure that their kids can get into centres nearby. And I announced yesterday that the cost of rebuilding the centre, above any costs that aren’t covered by insurance, will be covered by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government,” Clare said.
This incident has reignited discussions about the importance of both punitive and preventative measures to combat hate crimes in Australia.