Senator Jacqui Lambie became visibly emotional while opposing Liberal amendments to an antisemitism condemnation motion.
The first sitting day of the year kicked off with Lambie and independent MP Allegra Spender moving a motion in the upper and lower houses, respectively, "unequivocally condemning antisemitism".
Noting a rise in antisemitic violence, ranging from childcare centres being set alight in Sydney to in recent months, the motions urged "all parliamentarians to work constructively together to combat the scourge".
The Opposition's home affairs spokesperson, Senator James Paterson, put forward an amendment to Lambie's motion, pushing for mandatory minimum sentencing for antisemitic and terrorist attacks.
Lambie criticised the changes, noting this should have been a moment of unity for parliament and a chance to stand with the Jewish community.
"They [the Jewish community] are feeling the hurt, and they are feeling the pressure, and, God forbid, their kids don’t even want to go to school," she said in the Senate on Tuesday.
"It's not about politics. It's saying, You know what, we're here for you … we have your backs.
"We don't always get this right, but we have you, and you're in our sights. And we love you and we will do everything we can to protect your families."
The Liberals are calling for minimum 12-month jail terms for antisemitic behaviour and are urging the government to strengthen penalties for those that "threaten attacks against places of worship".
Both Labor and the Greens oppose mandatory minimum sentencing in principle.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe moved a second amendment, calling for the addition of the word racism to be added to the motion.
"This country needs to take all forms of racism more seriously ... It's horrible. It's a disease that we can eradicate if we did stand together," she said.
"We must not separate these issues. But recognise white supremacy in all its forms, targeting Muslim people, Jewish people, black people, and First Peoples … And the rise of racism in the last two months has gone through the roof."
The motions ultimately passed both houses without amendments.
Albanese and Dutton respond to the motion
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the ministers condemning antisemitism after Spender tabled her motion in the House of Representatives.
"I know I speak for every member of this house when I say that this kind of hateful prejudice has no place in Australia," he said.
"Our country is better than that, and our country is a better place because of our Jewish community."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said perpetrators of antisemitic attacks "will be punished". Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the issue of antisemitism had been brewing and was now "a national crisis" forcing some Australians to leave.
"There are people within the Jewish community that I’ve spoken to, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne ... who are talking about leaving our country.
"People who were born here, who know little of Israel and little of that life, they’re talking about leaving our country and going to Israel because they feel safer there."
