Multicultural Minister accused of being “missing in action” after Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has been accused of being missing in action after a synagogue in Melbourne was firebombed on Friday.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has been accused of being missing in action after a synagogue in Melbourne was firebombed on Friday.

Minister Burke, who is also responsible for multicultural affairs and immigration, had not shared any widely released public statements on his social media platforms or in the aftermath of the attack.

Mr Burke’s office said the Minister has shared the Prime Minister’s statement on his Instagram stories and provided a comment to a media outlet on Friday that was not published.

“I condemn this disgusting attack in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. I hope the policy quickly find whoever is responsible and throw the book at them.”

The only feed post on Mr Burke’s Instagram account since the attack was an interview shared by SBS Arabic discussing his recent decision to approve visas for Palestinians flee the Gaza war.

Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke. Picture: Martin Ollman

Senator James Paterson holds a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman

Senior Labor figures including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong unequivocally condemned the attack.

NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled it an act of terrorism.

Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson blasted Mr Burke for being absent.

“Tony Burke is the Minister responsible for counter terrorism and yet he’s been missing in action yet again,“ he said.

“Not one press conference. Not one media interview. Not one media release.

“Not even a token tweet of concern for the Jewish community at their time of need. He needs to realise he is the Minister for Home Affairs for all of Australia, not just Western Sydney.”