MEDIA STATEMENT 21 February 2026
I am deeply disturbed by the news that Brisbane’s largest synagogue was deliberately rammed last night in what can only be described as another cowardly and hateful attack on our Jewish community.
As Chair of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus, I stand in absolute solidarity with the Jewish community of Queensland and across Australia. No person should fear attending their place of worship. No community should wake to news like this.
This is not just an attack on a building. It is once again another attack on who we are as Australians. It is an attack on our values of tolerance, mutual respect, and religious freedom.
This attack also comes at a time when the Jewish community is already grieving following the horrific Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Clearly, we have much more work to do to ensure the safety of our Jewish community in Australia.
I want to commend Premier David Crisafulli and the Queensland Government for their swift response and their clear commitment to combatting antisemitism through laws now before Parliament. Words matter, but action matters more, and I congratulate the Premier and his government for their determination to have strong protections passed at the next sitting of Parliament. That is exactly the right response.
At a federal level, I will continue to call on the Labor Government to ensure we are doing everything within our power to support state and territory efforts to combat crimes based on antisemitic hatred. The protection of the Jewish community remains a national priority, not an afterthought.
I am also grateful to Queensland Police for their rapid response in apprehending the alleged perpetrator and for their ongoing commitment to the safety of all religious communities.
To the Jewish community in Queensland and across Australia, you are not alone. I stand with you and will continue to fight to end the scourge of antisemitism in Australia.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
