Natalie Ward
Acting Leader of the Opposition
Today’s announcement of a Commonwealth Royal Commission is a necessary and long-overdue step to confront the alarming rise of antisemitism and extremism, and the systemic failures that have allowed it to escalate.
The NSW Opposition has consistently advocated for a national response of this scale, including formally calling on Premier Chris Minns to request a Commonwealth Royal Commission with full powers and national scope.
This outcome reflects the seriousness of the threat and the clear reality that these issues extend well beyond the borders of any one state.
Antisemitism has been allowed to grow unchecked in New South Wales. Successive failures across governments to intervene early and strengthen existing laws have left communities exposed and undermined public confidence.
A Commonwealth Royal Commission is the only mechanism capable of examining the full picture, across intelligence, law enforcement, online radicalisation and counter-terrorism frameworks, and delivering accountability and reform at a national level.
The NSW Opposition stands ready to work constructively with the NSW Government to ensure this process delivers real outcomes, restores confidence, and sends an unequivocal message that antisemitism and extremist violence have no place in our state or our country.