An elected Dutton Coalition Government will commit $2 million to the Holocaust Institute of WA to help educate Western Australians about the atrocities of both the Holocaust and the October 7 Israel attacks.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will be in Western Australia on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and will attend a service at the Holocaust Institute of WA to mark the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The $2 million commitment for the Holocaust Institute’s Education Centre will help complete the fit out of their facility to world-class standards.
The Education Centre, located in the Jewish Community Centre (JHub) in Yokine, will include state of the art exhibitions, interactive visual and digital displays that will effectively convey the atrocities of both the Holocaust and October 7.
“Educating Australians about atrocities of the Holocaust and the October 7 attacks is an important mission that deserves support,’’ Mr Dutton said.
“By gaining awareness of the persecution and atrocities committed against Jews, Australians will have a better understanding of why there is no place for antisemitism in our community.’’
“We hope this sort of education will drive awareness and foster positive action within the Western Australian community.’’
Senator Michaelia Cash said: “Leadership is needed to combat antisemitism in Australia. It is also clear that education is vital to combatting the increase in antisemitic behaviour we have seen since October 7, 2023.”
“Educational institutions such as universities have failed to educate students on the dangers of antisemitism, so it is important that organisations like the Holocaust Institute of WA help fill that gap.’’
“The awful events of the Holocaust and October 7 must never be forgotten, and it is important that new generations are taught about the awful events which took place.’’
Senator Dean Smith said: “The WA Jewish community is an incredibly important and valued part of our state and deserves all possible support, especially in the face of rising antisemitism under Labor.”
“With 25 per cent of Australians knowing nothing about the Holocaust, education remains a crucial step in combatting discrimination – the Coalition understands that.”
“While the Albanese Government has demonstrated complacency, our commitment to this centre and measures like the Courage to Care program respond to this crisis with the urgency it requires.”
26 January 2025