Firstly, I was told by a reliable source that the worst fears of those who opposed the takeover of Calvary Hospital, that it could be detrimental to the citizens of the ACT, seem to have been proven correct. My source now tells me that, whereas it used to take one worker to change a light globe, it now, under new union rules, takes three: one to change the light globe, one to hold the ladder, and one to supervise the change. I kid you not!
On a less flippant note, I was dismayed but not surprised to hear of another, even more serious, outbreak of antisemitism in Melbourne over the weekend.
It was bad enough that a man has been charged with trying to set alight a synagogue with 20 worshippers inside, but there was also another demonstration where participants chanted the new Glastonbury festival chant, “Death, death to the IDF.” If that’s not hate speech, I don’t know what is. But for 20 or more antisemites from that demonstration to storm into an inner-city Jewish/Israeli restaurant, terrify staff, break windows, and smash tables and glasses — all while chanting “Death, death to the IDF” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free” — is surely a terrifying escalation of antisemitism in Australia.
Albo offered the usual platitudes, but it’s time to get serious.
Might I suggest a way out of all this increasing hatred of jews by a few simple law changes at the federal and state level.
1. It should be made a federal and state offence, punishable by a mandatory six-month prison term, for anyone to chant in a public place (including restaurants) slogans such as “Death, death to the IDF,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will/shall be free,” or any other antisemitic, violence-inciting chants. The recent appalling behaviour of a few pathetic antisemitic British bands, with their new chant, has within days led to these horrendous scenes in Melbourne. This must be stopped before some poor Australian Jew is killed.
2. As we have now seen several arson attacks on synagogues, a new offence should be introduced in addition to existing laws covering arson, malicious damage, and attempted murder. This should specifically cover setting fire to, attempting to set fire to, or damaging in any way a synagogue. There must be an appropriate mandatory jail term attached to this new offence.
3. If the criminals perpetrating these horrendous offences are not Australian citizens, they should be immediately deported after completing their sentences.
Such measures would admittedly be belated, and serious action should have been taken against these criminals after the Sydney Opera House riot on 9 October 2023. If it had, none of this would be happening now — but better late than never.
The pathetically naive, ill-educated morons attending these rallies would soon wake up if they knew they faced jail for breaking the law. Prison is a very unpleasant place, especially for pampered, self-indulgent student demonstrators. It would serve as a great reality check.
I would suggest a five-year sunset clause be placed on such legislation, as I would expect the problem to be solved within that period at the latest. If not, the legislation could be extended.
