Page 3301 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 23 August 2017

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video

---

I want to assure Rabbi Feldman and the Jewish community that this sort of bigotry reflects only a tiny portion of Canberra—small yet still unacceptable. Overwhelmingly, Canberrans warmly embrace our Jewish community and appreciate the contribution they make to our city.

I personally witnessed the closeness and vibrancy of the Jewish community on display at the end of last year when I attended Chabad ACT’s Hanukkah celebration. I, the relevant minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, the shadow minister, Elizabeth Kikkert, and MLAs from all parties greatly appreciated the traditional food, drinks, music and, of course, the Menorah lighting.

I have also enjoyed attending other Jewish community events in recent months. I enjoyed meeting Jewish students visiting Canberra for the Australasian Union of Jewish Students conference just last week and a cocktail party hosted at the end of last year by Rabbi Meltzer.

I also acknowledge and would like to thank the Chief Minister for his comments earlier today noting that the government would examine the administrative processes that led to the delay in the graffiti being removed. I want to encourage anyone who sees offensive graffiti such as this to contact the ACT government graffiti hotline on 132281. Offensive graffiti of this nature should be removed within 24 hours.

I would like to finish by reiterating that these bigoted and anti-Semitic actions are completely out of step with the beliefs of the Canberra community. Once again, I assure the Jewish community that I and every person in this chamber—I hope—support the Jewish community and welcome their ongoing contribution to our great city.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.45 pm

---

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video