To download this statement release in PDF format, click here.

The Executive Council of Aus­trali­an Jewry (ECAJ), the elected peak rep­res­ent­at­ive body of the Aus­trali­an Jewish community, situated at the apex of more than 200 Jewish organ­isa­tions across Australia, has warmly con­grat­u­lated Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Coalition parties on being returned to power following the May 18 Federal election.

The Prime Minister described the result as a “miracle”, and it certainly went against the pre­dic­tions of every published opinion poll over a long period of time.

The ECAJ thanks Prime Minister Morrison and his gov­ern­ment for the con­sist­ent support they have given to the Aus­trali­an Jewish community and to Israel. We wish the new gov­ern­ment every success. We offer our hopes and prayers that our gov­ern­ment leaders will be blessed with wisdom and right­eous­ness in leading our beloved country, meeting its chal­lenges and expanding oppor­tun­it­ies for all.

We look forward to working with the new gov­ern­ment and par­lia­ment on a range of issues that are critical for our community, including:

• increased security funding assist­ance;
• combating antisemitism and other forms of racism;
• main­tain­ing support for Israel and checks on Iran; and
• pre­serving existing legal pro­tec­tions for religious freedom.

Finally, we extend our best wishes to the Aus­trali­an Labor party as it takes stock and heeds the voice of the Aus­trali­an people. In par­tic­u­lar, we thank outgoing Oppos­i­tion Leader, Bill Shorten, his wife Chloe and their family. He has been a true friend of the Aus­trali­an Jewish community and of Israel, and still has much to offer Australia as a member of par­lia­ment. We wish him well in his future career.

Contact
Peter Wertheim AM | co-CEO
ph: 02 8353 8500 | m: 0408 160 904 | fax 02 9361 5888
e: [email protected] | www.ecaj.org.au