Federal MPs target of anti-Semitic Neo Nazi propaganda

Doctored images of federal MPs giving the Nazi salute are being used in anti-Semitic propaganda circulating through the inner east.

A doctored photo of Federal MP Monique Ryan performing a Nazi salute in front of a portrait of Adolf Hitler. Picture: Supplied

Federal MPs have been targeted in a neo-Nazi manifesto that boasted recruiting “entire family units” with kids as young as 13 years old.

Both Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police will probe the document obtained by the Herald Sun, which includes a photoshopped depiction of independent Kooyong MP Monique Ryan performing the Nazi salute while seated in front of an image of Adolf Hitler.

The document’s anonymous author makes derogatory references to former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is Jewish, and praised Zoe Daniel for ousting Liberal MP Tim Wilson, who is gay, from the seat of Goldstein.

A “quarterly report” written by extremist group Aryan Operations, which was distributed to businesses and homes across Melbourne, said the group had seen recent “unprecedented growth”, particularly in Victoria.

It said it was signing up whole families, which sources say include young teenagers aged 13 and 14 years old.

The report said the group was forming Australia’s own “Brevik Battalion”, drawing links to Norwegian far-right domestic terrorist Anders Breivik, who was convicted of killing 77 people in 2011.

Dr Ryan slammed the “awful, anti-Semitic, vitriolic flyer” after a Kooyong resident also received a copy of the report.

“More than that, it’s hate speech, and I’ve referred it to the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police,” she said.

“We have to remain vigilant against anti-Semitism, and to that end I look forward to voting in favour of the Federal Government’s plan to outlaw Nazi symbols.”

MP Zoe Daniel was appalled by the flyer’s rhetoric. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Independent member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel said she was “appalled” by the flyer’s rhetoric and would continue to support the Andrews government’s ban Nazi on symbols that was currently before parliament.

Ms Daniel recently returned from a trip to Israel where the Holocaust Museum’s Book of Names, which recorded known victims of the atrocity, featured people with her great grandmother’s family name.

“I’m appalled that our Jewish community continues to endure such grotesque, defamatory and anti-Semitic attacks close to a century after the Holocaust,” she said.

A report distributed by emerging far-right group Aryan Operations has targeted federal MPs Dr Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel, Josh Frydenberg and Tim Wilson. Picture: Supplied

Ms Daniel also condemned the document’s content about Mr Wilson.

“The term, which I will not repeat, is the language of Nazi propaganda of the 1930s, used to justify the vilification and worse not just of Jews, but of other vulnerable groups, with unspeakable consequences,” she said.

“As soon as I became aware of the flyer, I reported it to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

“I condemn it for its hateful antisemitism and its vilification of both Mr Wilson and Mr Frydenberg.

“I hope police find out who is responsible and that they face the full force of the law.

“Attitudes and words of this kind have no place in Australia.”

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said the report’s references to recruiting whole families and the Breivik Battalion “should set the alarm bells ringing”.

“This disgusting text is a stark reminder that these homegrown extremists are emboldened enough to target elected representatives and that this is a problem from hell that we can’t run or hide from,” he said.

“I stand with Monique Ryan and Zoe Daniel during this difficult time as we send the message that kind of hate will have consequences.”

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said in May that far-right groups were gaining prominence and becoming more brazen in their attempts to recruit more members.

Josh Frydenberg was mentioned in the derogatory flyer. Picture: Aaron Francis

It comes as police prepare to patrol a white nationalist gym meet-up and a range of extremist “white power” seminars at undisclosed locations on Saturday and Sunday.

Hundreds of demonstrators are planning to storm the “white power lifting meet”, organised by far-right leader Thomas Sewell.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the force “thoroughly assessed” offensive material and several far-right groups to make sure they did not threaten public safety.

“Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and in pursuing their values, beliefs and interests,” she said.

An AFP spokesman said religiously motivated violent extremism remained the largest terrorism threat in Australia, and it worked with state and territory police to target those advocating terrorism or encouraging violence against groups.

“The AFP does not condone hate speech or any form of discrimination,” he said.

“We are witnessing the number of individuals who adhere to an Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremist ideology continue to increase and spread across the country.”

Both MPs referred the document to the AFP and Victoria Police and the agencies are investigating.