Strengthening Jewish community safety

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Media Release

Prime Minister of Australia
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

Joint media release

The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an atrocious act.

Antisemitism has no place in Australia and we unequivocally condemn it.

Today the Albanese Government committed $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to further enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools.

This significant funding increase comes in addition to the $25 million grant to the ECAJ announced in October 2023, and funding for Jewish community sites under the Albanese Government’s $50 million Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.

These additional funds will support the ECAJ, in collaboration with Community Security Groups and the National Council for Jewish Community Security, to address risks faced by the Jewish community in light of the increase in antisemitism in Australia.

The new funding will enhance security resources for Jewish schools, pre-schools and other communal facilities used by the Jewish community through:

  • risk and threat assessments
  • critical incident planning
  • minor security infrastructure works including the installation or upgrade of security camera systems, access controls, security lighting, fences and gates, detection and alarm systems
  • security monitoring
  • security guidance and training
  • crisis management support and coordination, and
  • security guard services.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Jewish community has made an extraordinary contribution to the strength and success of our nation, over generations.

“This grant of $32.5 million will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves.

“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms.

“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus:

“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it.

“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”