Craig Kelly’s bizarre attack on Moriah

Controversial MP Craig Kelly has launched a bizarre attack against Moriah College, describing its leaders as “brainwashed zealots” who “abuse human rights” for requesting the names and vaccination statuses of its students and family members.

The AJN has obtained screenshots of the comments by Kelly, posted on a chat group on Telegram, which attracted several antisemitic comments by fellow users.

In an email to parents last week, Moriah vice-principal Roberta Goot said the college had been advised by the Association of Independent Schools to gather information about vaccination statuses “to assist in the safe opening and operation of the college”.

Noting, “All information provided will be treated as confidential,” the college asked for the names, year groups and vaccination status of any student at Moriah College; the names and vaccination status “of all other members of your household aged 12 years and over”; and the names and vaccination status of “anyone else who is in regular contact with your children”.

This includes grandparents “who drop-off or collect children on a regular basis”.

“By providing this information you will help us to keep our college community safe. It will also assist us with the planning of events and activities, as we analyse the risk of inviting parents and family members onto campus,” Goot wrote.

The AJN understands supplying the information to the school is not compulsory. Several people have defended Moriah’s decision, writing, “Great initiative, I wish all schools will do this”, “Well done Moriah! They have the students’ wellbeing at heart”, and “Congratulations to Moriah College for leading the way.”

However, writing on encrypted messaging system Telegram, Kelly – a former Liberal MP who now leads the United Australia Party – said, “Those running Moriah College are brainwashed tin-hat wearing zealots. They are ignoring the science and following the superstition. They are abusing human rights.”

He went on to say that “whether you’ve been injected with any of the novel and experimental genetic agents or not injected, makes little difference to your chance of having COVID”.

He labelled vaccine passports as a “sham” and a “complete fraud”.

Kelly’s post attracted several angry comments, including a post stating “No Green Pass” featuring a swastika and the SS symbol.

Other comments included “Jew school, no surprises”, and “What is wrong with the Jewish community … Shame on them for being so ignorant again.”

In a statement to The AJN on Wednesday afternoon, Kelly said, “If any member of the public posts an antisemitic comment, as soon as I or my team are aware of it, it is deleted and the person blocked.”

Moriah has been approached for comment.