Avoiding false conclusions |
In the aftermath of the Bondi attack, explanations have been offered quickly and with strong moral force. Misidentifying the causes of violence, however, risks obscuring political responsibility and undermining efforts to reduce future harm.
It has been some weeks now since the events of a Sunday evening in Bondi. We were all shocked at those events. Now that the initial emotion attached to the killings has perhaps dissipated somewhat, it is appropriate to stand back and consider the position, with a view to avoiding false conclusions.
There can be no justification for such violence, and we must work to reduce all forms of such behaviour. In doing so, however, we – and by that, I mean our government – must focus rationally on the nature and causes of such and work to reduce same. The word ‘antisemitism’ was immediately grasped and spoken of as if it were the cause. It........