Shaoquett Moselmane promoted to Assistant President in the Legislative Council

The decision to elevate a controversial Labor MP to a senior position in NSW parliament has drawn fire from a Jewish leader who says the community is “appalled”.

• Muslim MP denies Jewish leader entry to Labor event
• Labor MP: china 'needs greater control of the global media'

The decision to elevate a controversial Labor MP to a senior position in NSW parliament has drawn fire from a Jewish leader who says the community is “appalled”.

Shaoquett Moselmane was yesterday elected Assistant President in the Legislative Council after narrowly defeating upper house Christian Democrat Fred Nile 20 votes to 19.

Mr Moselmane, the first Muslim MP in the NSW parliament, which resumed yesterday, said he planned on using his position to promote parliament among multicultural and indigenous communities “to ensure there is an active engagement plan”.

Shaoquett Moselmane has been promoted Assistant President in the Legislative Council.

Jewish Vic Alhadeff said he was appalled by the appointment. Picture: Damian Shaw

“I am truly honoured to be endorsed by the full Labor caucus,” he said in a statement.

“I am humbled by the support of the House and my colleague’s vote of confidence.”

But his appointment has been condemned by NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Vic Alhadeff who last year claimed Mr Moselmane refused his entry to a Labor multicultural event.

“Just months ago Mr Moselmane blocked a Jewish leader from a Labor multicultural event. Yet now the party elects him to this important role. The Jewish community is appalled.”

Mr Alhadeff was invited to the Labor Union Multicultural Action Committee launch in August but said Mr Moselmane denied him entry claiming the event was only for Labor Party members.

NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane

Then Labor leader Luke Foley confirmed he had apologised to Mr Alhadeff for the incident.

A month before that incident, he was criticised over an extraordinary speech promoting China in which he says the existing world order “favours” the West and China will demand a change.

At a function hosted at NSW parliament, Mr Moselmane said China “needs greater control of the global media” — which he said were in the “hands of China’s opponents”.

Mr Moselmane, who is the Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council, said his office salary will increase by $11,554 before tax — taking it to a total $198,079 under the new position.

He has vowed to donate $6000 to six charity groups including the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Redfern Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre.

Mr Moselmane and NSW Labor did not respond to requests for comment.

Originally published as Shaoquett Moselmane promoted to Assistant President in the Legislative Council