Albanese Accuses Morrison of Failing to Act on Antisemitism in Extraordinary Rebuttal to Criticisms of His Own Government’s Handling
In a fiery and unexpected counterattack that has intensified Australia’s political debate on antisemitism, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused his predecessor, Scott Morrison, of overseeing a significant spike in anti-Jewish hate during his tenure and failing to take decisive action. The remarks, delivered during a parliamentary address on January 19, 2026, serve as an extraordinary rebuttal to mounting criticisms of Albanese’s own government for its perceived shortcomings in containing the wave of antisemitism that surged following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
Albanese’s comments have reignited partisan tensions, drawing sharp responses from opposition leaders and community groups, while highlighting the persistent challenge of addressing hate crimes in a polarized society.
The Prime Minister’s accusations stem from a broader defense of his administration’s record on combating antisemitism, which has come under intense scrutiny in recent months. Since the October 7 attacks, Australia has witnessed a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, including vandalism of synagogues, online harassment, and public protests that have sometimes veered into hate speech. Albanese has faced backlash for what critics call a slow and inadequate response, particularly in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist massacre in April 2025, where 15 lives were lost in an ISIS-inspired assault targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration.
Opposition figures, including Peter Dutton and Pauline Hanson, have repeatedly accused Albanese of “weak leadership” and failing to confront radical extremism head-on.
Turning the tables, Albanese pointed to data from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), which documented a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents during Morrison’s time as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. “Under the previous government, antisemitism spiked dramatically, with reports of incidents rising by over 300% in some years,” Albanese stated in Parliament. “They oversaw this rise and did nothing meaningful to stop it. No national strategy, no additional funding for community safety, no leadership on the issue. And now they have the audacity to lecture us?”
Albanese’s rebuttal referenced specific failures under Morrison, including the lack of a dedicated federal taskforce on antisemitism despite repeated calls from Jewish organizations, insufficient funding for security at synagogues and schools, and a perceived reluctance to condemn far-right elements contributing to hate speech. He contrasted this with his government’s actions since October 7, 2023, which include increased funding for the Australian Federal Police’s counter-terrorism unit, a $25 million package for Jewish community security, and new legislation to combat online hate speech. “We’ve acted decisively where they dithered,” Albanese said.
“The rise in antisemitism is a global challenge, but under our watch, we’re confronting it head-on – not ignoring it.”
The October 7 attacks, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and sparked the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, triggered a global surge in antisemitism. In Australia, the ECAJ reported over 600 incidents in the first month alone – a 700% increase from the previous year. Albanese’s government has been criticized for its handling of pro-Palestine protests that sometimes crossed into antisemitic territory, as well as for delays in implementing hate crime reforms. The Bondi attack, carried out by a radicalized individual, amplified these concerns, with victims’ families demanding a Royal Commission into intelligence failures and extremism.
Albanese has resisted, opting for internal reviews, which critics like Dutton call “a cover-up.”
Morrison, now a private citizen, responded swiftly through a statement: “These accusations are baseless political deflection. My government condemned antisemitism unequivocally and supported Israel staunchly. The current PM should focus on his own failures rather than rewriting history.” Dutton echoed: “Albanese is desperate – his weak response since October 7 has emboldened extremists. Blaming Morrison won’t fix his mess.”
Jewish community leaders offered mixed reactions. ECAJ President Jillian Segal welcomed Albanese’s focus but urged action: “Antisemitism has risen under both governments – we need bipartisan commitment, not finger-pointing.” Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory criticized: “Albanese’s rebuttal ignores his own government’s delays. The spike started before October 7, but it’s worsened on his watch.”
The exchange has deepened divisions. Social media erupted with #AlboVsMorrison trending, fans of Albanese praising his “bold defense,” while critics accused him of “deflection.” Protests in Sydney and Melbourne called for a Royal Commission, with signs reading “No More Excuses – Truth for Bondi.”
Politically, Albanese’s strategy may shore up his base but risks alienating moderates. With polls showing approval at 35%, the antisemitism issue could define his legacy. Morrison’s era saw a 200% rise in incidents from 2018–2021, per ECAJ, linked to online hate and far-right growth. Albanese’s term has seen a post-October 7 surge, with 1,200 incidents in 2024 alone.
As Australia grapples with hate, Albanese’s rebuttal underscores a shared failure. The nation demands leadership – not blame.
