The Sauce: MP Jenny Leong slammed for lukewarm response to Newtown Synagogue attack

Greens MP Jenny Leong has been accused of double standards after issuing a mild response to the Newtown Synagogue attack and not seeking a briefing from police about the incident.

The vandalism and attempted arson of a synagogue in Sydney’s inner west has exposed a glaring double standard in the response of the local Greens MP Jenny Leong.

After taking 18 hours to condemn Nazi graffiti — but not the attempted arson — on the Newtown Synagogue, The Sauce can reveal that Leong has not asked local police for a briefing into the attack, now being investigated by the counter-terror squad.

That is extremely unusual; local MPs routinely seek information from police about incidents in their own electorate.

The apparent failure to seek a briefing also flies in the face of Leong’s previous response to anti-social behaviour in her own backyard.

Greens MP Jenny Leong (right) and NSW government frontbencher Anthony D’Adam leading a pro-Palestinain protest march. Picture: Supplied

Leong took 18 hours to condemn the attack on Newtown Syagogue. Picture: Simon Bullard.

“I am not in Sydney at the moment and have just heard about vile hate symbols graffitied on the Newtown Synagogue. This is unacceptable,” she said on social media at 10.25pm Sydney time – 18 hours after the attack.

“Nazi symbols are not okay — ever. Not in Newtown, not anywhere.”

Leong’s condemnation failed to reference the attempted arson — and her response pales in comparison to her condemnation of other incidents.

Not being in Sydney did not stop Leong from jumping on Instagram for an emergency live broadcast – from Korea – to condemn a “Christian Lives Matter” protest group last year.

She even said she was “so sick to my stomach that I am not there” to offer help on the scene — a sentiment not expressed after the synagogue attack.

“Refusing to even get a briefing from Police about an attempted terror attack on her own local constituents is a deliberate dereliction of duty,” Labor Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne told The Sauce.

“Worse still, local Jewish people are understandably concerned that Ms Leong would have done more if any other group had been attacked, but is missing in action when it comes to combating and condemning violent antisemitism in her own seat.”

Leong’s office said that in addition to her social media post, the MP had written to the synagogue’s leaders to offer support.

Union’s Speedos dial

The industrial action that sent Sydney’s trains laid bare the fragile nature of the rail network and exposed deep divisions between the Labor government and the Union movement.

But even seasoned industrial negotiators got more than they bargained for during a tense online hearing at the Fair Work Commission on Monday.

The Sauce has been told that one Rail, Tram and Bus union delegate dialled into the meeting, held via video link, while casually rearranging a sunlounge on the back deck.

We’re told the railwayman was clad in nothing but a colourful pair of Speedos.

Presumably he listened to the hearing while catching some rays; union delegates get a full-day’s pay, care of taxpayers, to go off-roster to participate in serious bargaining sessions.

Minister for Memes on extended leave

While industrial chaos caught Premier Chris Minns and Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson on the hop while on leave, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has been spared the indignity of returning to work while trying to recharge.

Most of Minns’ ministers have taken some time off over summer, but Hoenig is really milking it — he has been on leave since Christmas Day and will not return until this Thursday.

Hoenig swapped Sydney summer for European winter to see family.

We’re told the Minister – famous on Macquarie Street for his cringe-worthy social media content – had not taken any leave since the election until now.

Linda Silmalis is on leave

Originally published as The Sauce: MP Jenny Leong slammed for lukewarm response to Newtown Synagogue attack