Monique Ryan: ‘Relationships take time’
The teal incumbent expressed concern about rising antisemitism since October 7.
Independent Kooyong MP Dr Monique Ryan has vowed to continue strengthening her relationship with the Jewish community if re-elected.
Speaking to The AJN this week, Ryan reflected on her efforts to build ties with the Jewish community during her first term in the former Liberal seat, which has taken in more Jewish constituents and institutions following recent boundary changes.
“Relationships take time and trust takes time,” Ryan said, describing leaders in the Jewish community as “very welcoming and generous”.
The teal incumbent expressed concern about rising antisemitism since October 7, saying it had been “awful” and “distressing” to witness.
“We have to push back against it as strongly as we can in all its forms,” she said, while acknowledging that many Jews feel the government’s initial response to the problem was inadequate.
“Clearly, the Jewish community feels that’s the case … I think members of the government would acknowledge the fact that things haven’t been perfect,” she said.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Ryan – who has been critical of the Israeli military – agreed that “Hamas has no place in Gaza”, but stressed that any military actions must comply with international law.
She also defended saying “I support and respect the ICC” last year after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying she supported the international rule of law.
“I think that we have to act in accordance with treaties to which we are a signatory,” she said, but added, “I don’t believe the government should intervene either way … the decision as to whether or not to arrest him would be up to the police forces.”
Regarding UNRWA, Ryan clarified that her support in a letter co-signed by other teals last year was based on getting aid tho those who need it rather than backing the organisation itself. She welcomed the government’s recent funding for alternative aid providers like Project Rozana.
With polls suggesting a hung Parliament, she was non-committal about who she would support to form government, saying she would back whoever offered the best policies addressing cost of living, housing, climate, health and education.
“I won’t be doing deals with the Greens,” she added, while criticising both the Greens and Liberals for “politicising” the Middle East conflict in ways that have “worsened the insecurity and anxieties of people in the Jewish community”.
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