Justice Fagan demonstrates more intelligence and commonsense than the entire State and Federal governments. Calling out genocide must never be a crime.
"Parliament could enact legislation giving a familiar term a different statutory meaning."
Given his actions and commentary around these issues, it would not be beyond Minns to so legislate his desired definition of antisemitism. Nor would it be beyond other state and Federal governments to take his lead on this.
Interesting point. However, with Pew research showing that 79% of Australians don't approve of Israel (89% of young people), all governments need to think carefully before another overreaction.
Those stats notwithstanding, there's little evidence that governments are thinking carefully about this at all. For reasons passing understand, governments are overwhelmingly in the thrall of the pro-Israel lobby.
I agree Daniel, the Judge's suggestion does give one pause; but then it's not an unheard of thing for a Judge to say in the course of delivering a Judgment - particularly where terms or definitions are contested.
That said, if we thought for one moment that Premier Minns or others had not already contemplated such action, we would be sadly mistaken; they simply await the opportunity.
More broardly, there is no question that the Israel Lobby has a squirrel grip on Australian Labor Governments (State and Federal).
As to why this is, I submit we need look no further than the malign influrnce of News Corp and Messrs. Murdoch. I have no doubt that our Federal Government (in particular), and our PM have no desire to be offside.
Consequently It seems to me relevant to ask why In August 2022, newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, held a private meeting with News Corp co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch and senior editors at the media company's Sydney headquarters.
Justice Fagan demonstrates more intelligence and commonsense than the entire State and Federal governments. Calling out genocide must never be a crime.
Mic drop for Fagan.
Excellent! He really hones in on the problem of the 'indefinite definition' by IHRA.
This was a pleasure to read. Such clarity.
We need to protect this judge now. He will be harassed and complaints will be made against it. What can we do to help him?
Am reassured by a robust demonstration of the "separation of powers" in Australian democracy.
This line in the judgement gives pause:
"Parliament could enact legislation giving a familiar term a different statutory meaning."
Given his actions and commentary around these issues, it would not be beyond Minns to so legislate his desired definition of antisemitism. Nor would it be beyond other state and Federal governments to take his lead on this.
Interesting point. However, with Pew research showing that 79% of Australians don't approve of Israel (89% of young people), all governments need to think carefully before another overreaction.
Those stats notwithstanding, there's little evidence that governments are thinking carefully about this at all. For reasons passing understand, governments are overwhelmingly in the thrall of the pro-Israel lobby.
I agree Daniel, the Judge's suggestion does give one pause; but then it's not an unheard of thing for a Judge to say in the course of delivering a Judgment - particularly where terms or definitions are contested.
That said, if we thought for one moment that Premier Minns or others had not already contemplated such action, we would be sadly mistaken; they simply await the opportunity.
More broardly, there is no question that the Israel Lobby has a squirrel grip on Australian Labor Governments (State and Federal).
As to why this is, I submit we need look no further than the malign influrnce of News Corp and Messrs. Murdoch. I have no doubt that our Federal Government (in particular), and our PM have no desire to be offside.
Consequently It seems to me relevant to ask why In August 2022, newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, held a private meeting with News Corp co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch and senior editors at the media company's Sydney headquarters.
“the IHRA proposal is detached from the reality of the common usage and understanding of antisemitism in this country” says it.
Period.
Common sense reigns supreme!