Australian leaders condemn hospital antisemitism

Australia’s political leadership has responded with swift condemnation after two Bankstown Hospital nurses were dismissed for posting antisemitic content while on duty.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised that those responsible would “face the full force of our laws.”

“The antisemitic video circulating today is disgusting. The comments are vile. The footage is sickening and shameful,” he said.

Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Health Minister Mark Butler jointly endorsed the NSW Government’s “swift and decisive action” in dismissing the staff members.

“The idea that you would single out a particular group in our community and indicate you wouldn’t care for them runs against every single principle in our healthcare system,” they stated.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, who ordered the immediate dismissal, spoke directly to the state’s Jewish community. “I say not only am I sorry, but I can assure you this – the care that you get in our hospitals will continue to be first class.”

Park revealed he had personally contacted NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip to express his deep sorrow over the incident.

The minister emphasised that the views expressed in the video did not reflect NSW Health’s 180,000 employees, who he described as deeply upset and deeply embarrassed.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce confirmed she had initiated police involvement within 30 minutes of receiving the footage, speaking directly with the Police Commissioner.

“Our hard-working staff across the New South Wales Health System every day go to work to do the best job they can for their patients. To have two staff sitting on duty, conducting themselves in this way is appalling,” she said.

The dedicated antisemitism police unit, Strike Force Pearl, is now investigating the incident.

NSW Shadow Minister for Health, Kellie Sloane said, “The records of all patients treated by the Bankstown Hospital staff must be urgently reviewed and examined for any adverse or unexplained outcomes. Additionally there should be a review of the broader workplace culture.”

The Healthcare Complaints Commission will also conduct its own investigation, while NSW Health will review patient safety records at Bankstown Hospital, though initial assessments have revealed no unusual patterns of incidents.

Minister Park issued an unequivocal warning to any healthcare workers who might look at this video and in any way sympathise with what the nurses said. “You’re not welcome in our hospital. Don’t bother turning up for work tomorrow because you’re not welcome.”

Park stated he didn’t want people like that as part of the health system.

“I don’t particularly want you as part of our community, but certainly do not turn up in uniform tomorrow if you think for one moment, that Susan or I will tolerate this sort of behaviour from health care professionals who the community relies on every day.”

Federal Member for Berowra Julian Leeser said the video was “yet another example of the deplorable behaviour and rhetoric targeting the community”.

“Everyone in Australia, no matter who you are or what your background is, deserves access to the highest level of care our health system provides,” he said.

“I urge the AFP and NSW police to continue investigating what has occurred and to prosecute the individuals to the full extent of the law. The escalation of this Antisemitic behaviour has no place in our health care system, and it certainly has no place in Australian society.”

The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday afternoon that the male nurse featured in the video, Ahmad Nadir, said the video was meant to be joke and that he intended to apologise to the Jewish community.