Some of Australia’s highest profile leaders across government, business and sport have united to issue a public statement condemning the rise of anti-semitism and racism.
What began as a WhatsApp discussion between business and community leaders in Sydney concerning a rise in cases of anti-semitism and the need to get corporate Australia to speak out has culminated in an open letter signed by more than 600 prominent Australians.
The letter appears in all national daily and state-based newspapers.
“We cherish the Australian way of life; one which celebrates acceptance, cultural diversity and the values of a modern tolerant democracy,” the letter states.
It concludes: “Together, we are united in our support of an Australia where all citizens are treated with respect, inclusivity and dignity.”
Those from the original chat have asked to remain anonymous letting those signing the letter to speak for themselves.
They include a variety of former State premiers including Gladys Berejiklian and Mike Baird from NSW, Anna Bligh from Queensland, Steven Marshall from South Australia and Victoria’s former leaders including Daniel Andrews and Ted Baillieu.
There were leaders in sport including John Bertrand, former Olympics champion Elizabeth Scott (Weekes) and former AFL supremo Gillon McLachlan.
Media leaders Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch and Kerry and Ryan Stokes have also signed the public message, as has former WA governor and Labor heavyweight Kim Beazley, AFL and TV personality Eddie McGuire as well as university chancellors, CEOs and leaders in judiciary, sport and banking.
The letter gained signatories with evidence of rising anti-semitism in recent weeks but it acknowledges a stand “against anti-semitism, Islamophobia and any form of racism in our workplaces, hiring practices and business dealings”.
“We are unequivocal in our resolve that racism in all its forms is deplorable and abhorrent,” the letter states.
“Whether directed towards Jewish Australians, Muslim Australians, Asian Australians, Indigenous Australians or any other minority, we will not tolerate such conduct in our workplaces and firmly reject it in our communities.”
Originally published as High profile Aussie leaders sign open letter condemning rise of racism, anti-semitism