1546th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
Statement by Ms Georgia Lowe, Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
18 December 2025
Chair, excellencies, colleagues
On Sunday, Australia suffered a devastating terrorist attack at a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank the Chairpersonship, participating States, partners and autonomous institutions for your messages of condolence and solidarity.
As Australia’s Prime Minister has said, this was an act of evil, antisemitic terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.
An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and our way of life.
Australians are all grieving
Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Jewish community.
Chair
Australia will not be divided by hate or violence.
There is no place for this vile antisemitism in Australia, in the OSCE region, or anywhere in the world.
Australia’s strength lies in our unity and our diversity.
Our multicultural society is a source of pride – and resilience.
We have seen acts of bravery, from members of the public, and from members of our police and emergency services.
We honour the heroes who came to the aid of others, especially those recovering from injuries incurred as a result of their selfless actions
Chair
The Australian Government has acted with swift and unwavering resolve to combat abhorrent incidents of antisemitism.
We have funded improved security at Jewish community sites.
We have appointed Australia’s first Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
And have we passed the toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.
Australia will dedicate every resource required to making sure Jewish Australians are safe and protected.
We are firmly committed to working with our partners, and through international organisations including the OSCE, to eradicate antisemitism and all forms of racism, hatred and intolerance.
We look forward to continued co-operation with the OSCE, participating States, and partners, to rise to this challenge, to prevent and resolve conflict, and to bring about a more peaceful world.
Thank you.