Research conducted on behalf of the Combat Antisemitism Movement has found that residents of Victoria and NSW believe local councils should be doing more to combat hate directed against Jewish communities.
The research found that 54% of NSW participants and 50% of Victorian residents polled believe local councils should be doing more to reduce hate-crimes in their communities.
Nationally, the research found that 49% of voters believe local councils should be doing more to combat intolerance in their communities.
The issue has the potential to shift votes at a local level, with 43% of voters more likely to consider voting for a local councillor who took actions to reduce religiously motivate hate in their communities, said CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Sacha Roytman.
Mr Roytman says local governments are uniquely placed to lead on this issue.
“Mayors and councillors live among their communities. They know the streets, the people, and the pressures,” he said.
“When hate surfaces, their leadership is vital to restoring harmony.”
He congratulated Melbourne Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, for being quick to publicly denounce recent attacks in Victoria.
“Local councils are the front line of defence against hate. We urge every mayor and councillor to speak out and step up – and to join our summit to learn how their peers around the world are tackling these rising threats.”
The research was commissioned by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, which is set to host the 2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism on the Gold Coast in September.
This week, a 21-year old man was arrested for his involvement in the December 2024 alleged arson attack (pictured) of a synagogue in Melbourne’s inner south-east. Another man was charged earlier this month for allegedly stealing a car used in the incident.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched the Federal Government’s official plan to combat antisemitism. It follows the appointment of Jillian Segal as Australia’s first antisemitism special envoy last year.
