What leadership is—and is not

Last night— June 17, 2026—I had the honour of joining distinguished members of Victoria’s Jewish community, allies and friends in Melbourne to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel. Premier Jacinta Allan MP, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson MP, federal, state and municipal representatives, and Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Dr Hillel Newman, were among those present.

Many speeches inspired me. One aspect of a speech left me somewhat dispirited. The penny had apparently still not dropped: repeatedly opining about Israel’s elected leaders contributes to an environment in which antisemitism is running rampant across our sunburnt land.

Zionism Victoria President Elyse Schachna spoke proudly of the resilient Start-Up Nation—a small country that has transformed constraint into innovation, vulnerability into strength and adversity into achievement. Jess Wilson committed to restoring public order, including through stronger powers for police to move on those deliberately disturbing the peace.

Premier Allan mostly delivered a gracious speech. She announced further opportunities for collaboration and, importantly, raised a toast to Israel. Melbourne-based friends tell me that, two years ago, she declined to offer that traditional toast. Last night she did.

That matters.