• A Mettam Liberal Government has announced a comprehensive package to fight antisemitism in WA.

• $250,000 will be made available immediately to fund security upgrades.

• A Mettam Liberal Government will prioritise the study of the Holocaust and factors contributing to antisemitism, seek advice from the Law Reform commission on fighting violent antisemitic protests, and prioritise a community liaison within WAPOL

A Mettam Liberal Government has today announced a comprehensive policy to fight antisemitism across WA, which has emerged in the wake of Hamas’ 7 October terrorist attack.

“The 7 October terrorist attack on Israel was an appalling and senseless attack, and the biggest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust,” said Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader.

“Western Australia is not immune from the wave of antisemitism spreading across the world, but Roger Cook and Labor continue to ignore the issue, risking the safety of the Jewish community.

“Labor NSW Premier Chris Minns has shown strong leadership in combatting antisemitism which makes Roger Cook’s total lack of action even more disappointing.

“Unlike WA Labor, the WA Liberals will fight antisemitism in WA with a comprehensive policy which will fund the Jewish community’s security needs in the short term, while fighting the root causes of antisemitism.”

Under the WA Liberals’ policy, $250,000 will be provided to fund the Jewish community’s security needs, prioritise the study of the Holocaust and factors contributing to antisemitism in WA schools, seek advice from the Law Reform commission on protecting Jewish people against violent protests, and prioritise an effective community liaison to combat antisemitism within WA Police.

“Mount Lawley is home to the majority of WA’s Jewish community, who have felt the brunt of the antisemitism which has crossed the Nullarbor,” said Ms Sutherland.

“Ending the antisemitism which has emerged in the wake of the 7 October terrorist attack needs to address the short-term threat, while fighting what causes it in the first place.

“After Labor has been missing in action, the WA Liberals’ policy does exactly that.”

Shadow Attorney General Nick Goiran said WA Labor had been totally missing in action and had allowed antisemitism to fester in the WA community.

“Roger Cook recently described a barrage of antisemitic abuse directed at a member of WA’s Jewish community as ‘a good standup stoush’,” said Mr Goiran.

“There was nothing good about it – it was nothing short of a sickening antisemitic attack across the road from the Premier’s office.

“Instead of taking action or calling out antisemitism, all Roger Cook could muster was to ask, ‘all sides of the debate, please, let’s keep Western Australia peaceful.’”

“Roger Cook and WA Labor have no plans to call out antisemitism in the community, let alone address this vile form of racism.

“Only a Mettam Liberal Government will help keep the Jewish community safe and fight antisemitism in the community.”