Labor MP accuses new Greens leader of prejudice over Jewish community remarks

Labor MP Josh Burns has accused new Greens leader David Shoebridge of prejudice after comments about the party’s relationship with Australia’s Jewish community. Shoebridge was asked after his election as Greens leader whether he would repair relations with the broader Jewish community. He rejected the premise, saying the Greens had strong connections with much of the community and would continue to support what he called powerful and principled voices.

Burns, the Jewish Labor member for Macnamara, said the response was shocking and argued that Jewish Australians should not be categorised according to their views on the Middle East. He said the remarks were not inclusive and could make members of the community feel unsafe. A spokesperson for Shoebridge said the question had been asked by a News Corp journalist and argued that progressive Jewish voices opposing the war in Gaza were being ignored or attacked by the media.

Burns said he still hoped for a constructive relationship with the new Greens leadership, which includes Victorian Senator Steph Hodgins-May as deputy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also said he wanted constructive engagement but criticised the Greens’ attacks on Labor. Shoebridge, a former barrister and New South Wales politician, became leader after Queensland Senator Larissa Waters resigned because of illness.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi expressed disappointment that the leadership was decided by a contested ballot rather than a vote of party members.