Liberal leader demands a stop to Facebook racism
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell has called for a review of laws in all states to combat racial vilification on social networking and blog websites.
CHANTAL ABITBOL
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell has called for a review of laws in all states to combat racial vilification on social networking and blog websites.
“We must ensure that the laws are up to date,” he told Jewish leaders gathered at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s annual meeting last week.
“Unless we’re conscious of the threat and adapt those laws to meet the varied ways in which vilification can be pursued in this age, we will fail those who rely on us.”
O’Farrell’s comments came immediately after a report, released at the same conference, indicated anti-Jewish propaganda in fringe publications and from extremist organisations remains an “ongoing concern”.
Earlier this year, O’Farrell called on Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard to take a stance against anti-Israel messages posted on the taxpayer-funded blog Khaldoun, which is run by academic staff at Sydney’s Macquarie University.
So far, however, no action has been taken, and the site continues to operate without any review.
O’Farrell said it was an ongoing dispute and content on such sites was “just as evil today … as it was in 1938 in those dark days in Europe”.
O’Farrell appeared at the conference as a last-minute replacement for former federal Liberal head Malcolm Turnbull, who was forced to remain in Canberra longer than expected.
The embattled leader was ultimately ousted by Tony Abbott in a party room ballot.
O’Farrell reassured the audience that Australian Jewry and its interests wouldn’t suffer under a new leader.
“The Jewish community doesn’t lose because [the leaders of the] Liberal Party are strong friends of Israel and supporters of the Jewish community,” he said.
In that same spirit, he reaffirmed his own support for the State of Israel.
“Until we see those who oppose the legitimacy of the State of Israel and understand the only solution is a two-state solution, there is frankly no great optimism that can be held as to what’s happening in the Middle East,” he added.
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