To the polls
NSW heads to the polls this weekend.
From a leadership standpoint, the election is a contest between two firm friends of our community in Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns. Both have had a warm and longstanding relationship with NSW Jewry and both have put their words into action at key moments.
In their election promises, the Liberal and Labor parties have both made generous commitments to shore up communal security, tackle antisemitism and religious bullying, and fund improvements to the Sydney Jewish Museum.
At the electorate level, we have enjoyed close and productive relationships with local members of all parties, including independents.
No matter the election result, our community is lucky to have such representatives to turn to.
Should there be a change of government, we thank the Coalition for its friendship and support over the past 12 years.
In addition to providing generous funding for communal infrastructure and security, the government worked with our community and others to strengthen incitement laws in 2018. During lockdown, government exemptions allowed Jews in Sydney to hear the shofar and pray outdoors on Yom Kippur. With the support of the opposition, the government banned Nazi symbols last year.
And as reported this week, the government has provided an additional $5 million for the Hakoah White City project.
We also pay tribute to those Members of Parliament close to our community who are moving on at this election.
Walt Secord has been a true friend of our community and Israel since well before he entered politics. Now part of our community after converting to Judaism in 2021, we are sure that relationship will long continue.
Gabrielle Upton has been a good friend of our community over her 12 years as Member for Vaucluse. A familiar face at many communal events, she has also tirelessly advocated for our interests in Parliament.
Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea has been a staunch friend and advocate and we wish him well.
We also thank David Elliott, Victor Dominello, Brad Hazzard and Anthony Roberts for their friendship and support.
We wish whoever prevails on Saturday well and are confident our community’s interests will continue to be represented.
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