In February this year the Sydney Morning Herald reported on a community forum in solidarity with Palestine that I spoke at in December 2023. During the forum I used language that had unintended antisemitic implications and caused some members of the community hurt. I subsequently issued an unreserved public apology.
Following this media coverage, an individual made a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. I am pleased we have now resolved the complaint through a conciliation process.
In addition to the unreserved public apology I made in February this year, I have also made a $2000 donation to the Sydney Jewish Museum and will visit the Museum in the coming weeks as a way of deepening my understanding of racism, antisemitism and genocide.
I have also chosen to donate $2000 to the Jewish Council of Australia - a diverse coalition of Jewish academics, lawyers, writers and teachers united in their opposition to Israel’s continued policies aimed at the destruction of Palestinian life.
I reaffirm my commitment to continual care and reflection in my ongoing work for human rights and advocacy for a free Palestine.