Brad Cole: ‘I’m so proud of our Jewish community’
'Many Jewish Australians no longer feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. This is unacceptable,' Cole said.
Liberal candidate for Kingsford Smith Brad Cole says it’s “unacceptable” that many Jewish Australians have been made to feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods and has pledged greater protection under a Liberal government.
A series of antisemitic attacks rocked the large Jewish community in the Kingsford Smith electorate at the start of the year, particularly when a childcare centre around the corner from Maroubra synagogue was torched and Mount Sinai College was vandalised with hateful graffiti.
Cole told The AJN that he completely understands the community’s concerns about “the sickening rise of antisemitism in Australia”.
“I’m so proud of our Jewish community – they play such an important role in our local civic life and as part of our business community,” he said.
“A Dutton Liberal government will establish a dedicated antisemitism taskforce to turn the tide against Jewish hate.”
Cole said the horrifying rise of antisemitism over the last 18 months is “without doubt” the biggest concern among Jewish voters in Kingsford Smith. “Many Jewish Australians no longer feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. This is unacceptable,” he said.
“The cowardly attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne was an eye-opener for many Australians.”
Cole believes the Jewish community has been “shamefully” let down by the Labor government, while he also slammed the Greens for their “appalling” behaviour during the antisemitism crisis.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has failed to show the necessary leadership throughout the antisemitism crisis,” said Cole.
“A Liberal government would introduce minimum sentences for terrorism, for damage against places of worship, and for public displays of prohibited symbols. These laws will help protect our Jewish citizens.
“There is a huge danger that we could end up with a Labor minority government, propped up by the radical Greens after the election. The only way to avoid this scenario is by voting Liberal. We’ll ensure that young Australians understand the history of the Jewish people by funding Holocaust museums.”
Cole said he has decided to run for the Liberal seat because he is “Kingsford Smith’s biggest advocate”.
Like other electorates, Cole said the cost of living crisis is a key issue among voters.
“We’ve witnessed a huge drop in living standards in the electorate under Labor and inflation is through the roof,” he said.
“A Dutton Liberal government will enact immediate cost-of-living relief, including a 50 per cent cut in fuel excise for 12 months.”