A Sunshine Coast MP has contacted police after his political signs were defaced with banned Nazi symbols.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the vandalism was a sign that the country’s antisemitism crisis was worsening.
Mr Wallace, who is deputy chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, said it was not the first time his signs had been targeted.
“I have reported these criminal offences to Queensland Police and have urged them to undertake whatever means necessary to arrest these brazen criminals who seek to divide our nation and make it less secure,” he said.
“Over the last nine years I’ve had plenty of my election signs damaged and defaced, which is in itself a criminal offence, but this is beyond the pale and an affront to the dignity of Jewish Australians who have a right to live their lives in peace.
“We are better than this.”
The LNP member said it was disappointing to see extremism on the Coast.
“I have never seen antisemitism as widespread and prevalent on the Sunshine Coast as we are experiencing today,” Mr Wallace said.
“Online and on our streets, we are confronting an antisemitism crisis – and it’s only getting worse.
Related story: Australians to cast federal election vote on May 3
“Bigger cities might be accustomed to this kind of thing, but here on the Sunshine Coast we have prided ourselves on being the most secure, welcoming and thoughtful community.
“I’m absolutely appalled by this behaviour.
“It’s time for Australians to stand up, speak up and show up for the Jewish community. Report graffiti and all forms of antisemitism to the police and stamp it out in conversation and online.”
