Don’t wait, action on anti-Semitism can be applied to all racism

It is not a surprise that Education Minister Jason Clare has delayed acting on Jillian Segal’s anti-Semitism plan (“Clare puts anti-Semitism response on hold”, 17/7) by using the usual measure-for-measure approach with Islamophobia.

The words themselves are not equal: anti-Semitism means “hatred” of Jews and hence revolves around attacks and punitive measures to Jewish people. It is based on race and religion, not behaviour.

Islamophobia means “fear” of Muslims, and usually results in avoidance rather than aggression. However, in Australia, there have been extreme acts of violence against the Jewish community: arson at synagogues, death threat recordings, graffiti everywhere, persecution of students on university campuses.

Why not apply Segal’s plans across the board, since all acts of racism are unacceptable and, then add in any extra measures that the special envoy on Islamophobia produces, when these are formulated? Every solution is welcome. Bring peace and tolerance back to our Australia.

Corinne Haber, Caulfield, Vic

Jason Clare’s stated intention to wait for a report on Islamophobia before taking action on anti-Jewish attacks is telling.

It betrays an unstated policy of doing as little as possible, as slowly as possible. He might at least tell us where and when these attacks on Muslims are taking place and why they are so severe that he must delay his response to the very obvious anti-Semitic attacks that have been occurring for a few years now. In the meanwhile, attacks on synagogues and other places with Jewish connections are clearly in need of focused attention right now.

David Morrison, Springwood. NSW

It is indeed disappointing that Jason Clare will stall any implementation of Jillian Segal’s plans to combat anti-Semitism until he receives a similar report on stamping out Islamophobia. Why wait?

And where are these examples of blatant Islamophobia? All racism and prejudice is toxic, whether it be anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, anti-Christian or against any individual.

It would a “good news” story, and easy for the federal government, in co-operation with the states’ education departments, and community groups, to quickly introduce anti-discrimination programs into schools for all students from years 5-12.

It is too late by the time students reach university if they have not previously been exposed to critical and honest thinking and knowledge so that they have the skills to be upstanders against all forms of prejudice and racism.

Kathy Sharp, Neutral Bay, NSW

Gas investment fear

Tony Wood’s article on the gas crisis overlooked a key factor: investor confidence (“Gas deadlock won’t break without a policy short circuit”, 17/7).

The petroleum sector has long followed a boom-bust cycle, with high prices triggering new investment and restoring balance. This time, that hasn’t happened.

Reluctance stems from state bans on gas development, excessive regulation, slow approvals, and constant legal challenges from activists – often with community backing.

Unless the public are clearly informed and support shifts, we risk relying on costly and environmentally damaging LNG import terminals.

Don McMillan, Paddington, Qld

Activism out of place

Janet Albrechtsen hits the nail on the head when she writes of activism within the Australian law fraternity (“Law’s golden principles lost to activist utopia”, 16/7).

But let’s not stop there. I believe that there are other professions where individual ideology and personal political perspectives have eroded, if not completely replaced, impartiality.

This includes teachers, journalists and the judiciary.

Teachers should just teach, journalists should just report and judges should just adjudicate without applying their own political bent.

Activism has its place in our society but it is certainly out of place within these professions.

Russ Fathers, Tweed Heads, NSW

Waking up to reality

I just woke from a year-long coma. A friend gave me the news that I had missed.

Apparently, we now have a socialist, near-communist government, one that has forsaken our old ally Israel; anti-Semitism in Melbourne is rife; we refuse to spend on ramping up our defence; our Prime Minister has chosen China as our best friend, to the neglect of a century-long friendship with the US; we are rich in resources but we now have some of the highest energy prices in the world; housing is unaffordable except for the very well-off; a new law is in motion to tax profits that have not yet been made, and; the government was overwhelmingly elected on 35 per cent of the primary vote. I asked to be put back in a coma.

Ron Marlborough, Attadale, WA