Coalition doubts theory foreign actors paid for anti-Semitic attacks, demands more evidence

The Coalition has demanded more evidence after claims foreign actors were paying for anti-Semitic attacks, saying it would represent “the most serious domestic security crisis” in the country’s peacetime history.

Claims that foreign actors could be paying criminals to carry out anti-Semitic attacks in Australia represent “the most serious domestic security crisis” in the country’s peacetime history, Coalition MP James Paterson has warned, while calling on Anthony Albanese to present more evidence on the theory.

Mr Paterson, the Coalition home affairs spokesman, said the startling revelations from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that they were investigating whether offshore payments were being made to domestic crooks were “gravely serious”.

“I think the Australian people are entitled to more information from the Prime Minister today about what he knows about this, when he was briefed about it and what action the government is taking about it,” Mr Paterson told ABC Radio.

“This either means, if it is true, if it is confirmed, that a transnational terrorist organisation is sponsoring attacks in Australia or potentially that a foreign government is engaging in state-sponsored terror targeting the Jewish community.

“To put claims like this out there would make it the most serious domestic security crisis in peacetime in Australia’s history and will cause incredible alarm within the Jewish community.”

A Maroubra childcare centre was set ablaze in an anti-Semitic attack on Tuesday.

Mr Paterson said the onus was now on the government to share more details about the investigations into anti-Semitic attacks, headlined by a firebombing attack on a preschool in Maroubra which is near a synagogue.

It came after AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw released a statement on Tuesday saying authorities were investigating whether foreign bodies were funding the attacks, potentially using cryptocurrency.

It came with the caveat that “intelligence is not the same as evidence”, with Commissioner Kershaw saying more evidence was being gathered ahead of expectations that more charges would be laid in regards to anti-Semitic attacks.

Senator James Paterson held a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

The Prime Minister fired back on Wednesday, denying the comments were a headline-grabbing exercise.

“It was important to counter a message out there that action wasn’t being taken,” Mr Albanese told ABC Sydney.

“And without compromising any of the police investigations, which of course are ongoing, it was important to get more information and transparency out there.”

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added the AFP only released information which would aid investigations.

“But I certainly would not join in what I thought was a surprising and potentially naive call from Mr Paterson when you are just randomly saying, ‘Oh, we need more information on this’,” Mr Burke told ABC Radio.

“They should put out the information that they think helps with the investigation. That’s how the Australian Federal Police should operate and how they do.”

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Originally published as Coalition doubts theory foreign actors paid for anti-Semitic attacks, demands more evidence