Leeser’s Dutton praise
In an exclusive interview with The AJN, the Jewish Liberal MP lauded Dutton's unwavering support for Israel.
Re-elected Member for Berowra Julian Leeser has praised outgoing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton as a “tzaddik” who stood firmly with the Jewish community “in its moment of greatest crisis”.
In an exclusive interview with The AJN, the Jewish Liberal MP lauded Dutton’s unwavering support for Israel when “the government was failing our community”, highlighting Dutton’s visit to Israeli kibbutzim affected by the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
“At a time when Israel was being abandoned by governments everywhere, Peter Dutton went to Israel,” Leeser said.
“He was very personally affected and said to me in private repeatedly, ‘even if we lose the election, I will look back on my career and say this is the right thing to do, I am proud to have stood up.’
“It is a tragedy for our country that Peter has lost his seat and won’t make a contribution in the Parliament anymore.”
Following his own re-election, Leeser expressed humility at continuing to represent Berowra, acknowledging there were “strong messages” from the community that the Liberal Party needed to become “more in touch with the aspirations and challenges” facing his constituents.
Leeser welcomed the avoidance of a hung Parliament, which he feared would have given the Greens “the whip hand over the government”, pushing it further to the left. He expressed satisfaction at Greens’ MP Max Chandler-Mather losing his seat, describing him as “the most extreme” in the party.
He noted that the Jewish community had become more politically engaged than ever before due to “the failure of the government to properly protect our community” during recent crises. However, he suggested community resources might have been better distributed to support Liberal candidates in seats beyond those with significant Jewish populations.
Looking ahead, Leeser confirmed he would maintain all previously advocated policies, including pushing for a judicial inquiry into antisemitism at universities and a more coordinated approach from law enforcement agencies in dealing with terrorism.
“I want to see the government step up to the plate more in terms of its support for our community and for the State of Israel,” he added.
While deflecting questions about the Liberal leadership contest, Leeser committed to “making a contribution” toward rebuilding the party with policies that appeal to “the vast middle of our country” before the next election.
comments