Opposition Leader Defends Comments Comparing Anti-Semitism to Major Gun Massacre

The opposition leader claims he was comparing the response of Anthony Albanese to that of John Howard, and says the PM has failed to stem rising antisemitism.
Opposition Leader Defends Comments Comparing Anti-Semitism to Major Gun Massacre
Members of the Australian Palestinian community and supporters wave Palestinian flags as others hold placards and banners during a protest in central Sydney on March 3, 2024. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images
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After initially appearing to walk back comments comparing pro-Palestine protests outside the Sydney Opera House last year, to the Port Arthur Massacre—that killed 35 people and wounded 23—Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has come out on morning television to say, “I don’t resile from that at all.”

He said the comparison was about the prime minister’s leadership rather than the gravity of the two events, saying Anthony Albanese had failed to act to try to reduce anti-semitism in Australia.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.
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