Court soft on anti-Semitic rage

The Children’s Court has missed the opportunity to send an important message about the risks involved in joining anti-Semitic protests that spread fear and cause damage to property. The fact the actions in this case were targeted at the office of a Jewish MP, Josh Burns, is all the more reason for a cautionary example to be set. Instead, the Children’s Court has given the 17-year old offender, who cannot be identified, the prospect of a full escape if he successfully completes a diversion plan that involves activities intended to reduce the likelihood of further offending.

Diversionary programs have their place and young offenders are different to adult criminals. But the punishment should fit the circumstances as well as the crime. The circumstances in this case are that the actions were calculated to intimidate and frighten an innocent community as part of a rampage that struck at the heart of our democracy. Vandalism against the electorate office of Mr Burns involved smashed windows and painted slogans, including “Zionism is fascism”.

It was a race hate crime committed in an atmosphere in which young people were being encouraged to take sides in a fight involving complex historical facts they were unlikely to understand. The message the court should have sent is that actions have consequences. The perpetrator in this case convinced the court he was remorseful and now understood the futility of his actions in regards to what was happening in Gaza. Had the court taken a tougher line this epiphany would have had a better chance of sinking in more broadly within the youth protest community that needs to hear it most.