On December 8, 2024, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, labeling it an act of 'terrorism.' The synagogue was set ablaze by masked arsonists in the early hours of December 6, causing significant damage but fortunately no serious injuries. Albanese expressed deep concern regarding the rising antisemitism in Australia, a sentiment echoed by various community leaders and officials. Victorian police are currently investigating the incident to determine whether it meets the legal criteria for terrorism. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized Albanese for not taking a stronger stance against antisemitism, suggesting that the government’s policies may have contributed to a hostile environment for the Jewish community. In a related response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked the attack to anti-Israel sentiment stemming from the Australian Labor government, particularly following Australia's recent vote in favor of a UN resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. Foreign Minister Penny Wong also condemned the targeting of the Jewish community, describing it as a clear act of antisemitism. This incident has raised alarms about the safety and security of minority communities in Australia, especially in light of the ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict and the broader implications for domestic security as highlighted by ASIO. [15688c6a]
The director-general of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has previously warned that the escalating war in Gaza could heighten the risk of spontaneous violence or terrorism plots in Australia. While ASIO has not detected any evidence of planned violence, the agency is closely monitoring the implications for domestic security. ASIO is particularly concerned about a small subset of protesters who may seek to escalate peaceful demonstrations into acts of violence, including extremists driven by religious or ideological motivations. The agency emphasizes that it is not concerned about lawful protests but will take action against individuals who advocate or plan violence at protests. ASIO acknowledges the concerns of the Palestinian-Australian community and emphasizes the importance of treating different communities in an even-handed and consistent manner. The agency will continue to monitor domestic responses to the conflict, including commemoration events that may involve individuals who believe violence is a justifiable response. While ASIO does not anticipate neo-Nazi groups planning acts of violence, it acknowledges that violence may occur when different groups converge at protests. [e18b81c5]
Moreover, ASIO has highlighted the potential rise of the Islamic State (IS) in the Middle East and Africa, underscoring the need for laws preventing Australians from traveling to volatile areas. ASIO Director General Mike Burgess emphasized the importance of retaining these laws to deter individuals from becoming a threat to Australia. The provisions allowing the foreign minister to declare an area a no-go zone and prosecute those who travel there under terrorism laws are set to end in September. The Australian Human Rights Commission has argued that these powers are unnecessary and risk criminalizing normal actions. Currently, there are no designated zones listed, but there are discussions about southern Lebanon and Gaza. Since 2012, around 230 Australians have traveled to Syria or Iraq to fight for or support terrorist groups, with approximately 120 believed to be dead, 55 having returned to Australia, and 60 still in the region. [364bd375]