NSW MP Requests Investigation into Israeli Dossier Citing Australian Politicians
Anthony D’Adam, an NSW Member of Parliament (MP) and convener of Labor Friends of Palestine, has formally requested the federal Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, to investigate whether Israel has violated Australia’s foreign influence legislation. The request, submitted on Monday, pertains to a document produced by the Israeli government’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs.
Dossier Content and Stated Purpose
The dossier, published in September, identifies D’Adam and other Australian politicians as promoting content described as antisemitic and anti-Zionist. It lists 25 groups and individuals, with its stated objective being to identify and analyze "key influencers and groups promoting antisemitic and anti-Zionist content," also referred to as "antisemitic/anti Israel" content in the report.
Named Individuals and Groups
Politicians named in the dossier include:
- Anthony D’Adam
- Former federal Greens leader Adam Bandt
- Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi
- Independent senator Fatima Payman
- Independent senator Lidia Thorpe
Bandt and Faruqi are specifically identified among the top ten generators of what the dossier labels as antisemitic and anti-Israel material. Additional groups named in the document include Palestine Action Group, Free Palestine Melbourne, Disrupt Wars, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Students for Palestine USyd, and University of Melbourne for Palestine. The dossier had previously been cited in The Australian newspaper.
D’Adam’s Response and Concerns
D’Adam has stated he is a critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and supports the recognition of Palestine, while denying any engagement in antisemitism. In his letter to Burke, he asserted that the Israeli government, by publishing this dossier, is attempting to interfere in Australian political discourse through efforts to intimidate and discredit its critics.
He cited a 2 January article in The Australian newspaper, which referenced the dossier, as an instance of the document's influence, noting its focus on Australian politicians, community activists, and non-government organizations. D’Adam claimed the dossier conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, categorizing them as identical, and labels individuals such as himself as "political figures in office who promote antisemitism, whether online or through their official duties." He stated the document contained no evidence of antisemitic statements by him and expressed concern about being targeted by a foreign power, noting the inclusion of his photograph, which he perceived as an attempt at intimidation.
Foreign Influence Allegations
D’Adam drew a comparison, asking how Australia would respond if similar material were produced by nations such as China or Iran, and stated his view that the dossier is intended to intervene in Australian political discourse, denigrate, and stigmatize individuals, and discourage criticism of Israel. The Australian Home Affairs guide on countering foreign influence lists examples such as attempts to restrict critical media views, censorship, or harassing and discrediting journalists, activists, or politicians.
He further requested an investigation into whether individuals within Australia are acting on behalf of foreign governments and if surveillance of those named in the dossier has taken place. D’Adam noted that while much of the material appeared to originate from public sources, the Israeli government ministry regularly publishes an "Anti-Israel Protest Forecast," which he stated often categorizes protests as presenting a risk of violence without basis. He concluded that it appears likely the Israeli Government relied on sources within Australia for this information, raising the possibility of Australian citizens or residents being involved in foreign interference.
Dossier Methodology and Official Response
The Israeli report details its methodology, stating it utilized social media searches, traditional media searches, proprietary databases related to hate speech and political sentiment, and direct observation of the online activities of the named influencers.
A spokesperson for Minister Burke confirmed that correspondence containing allegations of unlawful conduct is routinely forwarded to relevant agencies. Adam Bandt, Mehreen Faruqi, Fatima Payman, Lidia Thorpe, and the Israeli ambassador to Australia were contacted for comment regarding the matter.