Bridget Archer leads criticism after Peter Dutton compares pro-Palestine protest to Port Arthur massacre

Bridget Archer says Peter Dutton went too far when he invoked the Port Arthur massacre during a speech about the rise of antisemitism in Australia.Bridget Archer says Peter Dutton went too far when he invoked the Port Arthur massacre during a speech about the rise of antisemitism in Australia.Peter Dutton has drawn widespread criticism, including from one of his own MPs, for comparing the 1996 mass murder of 35 people at Port Arthur to a pro-Palestine protest at the Sydney Opera House.

“While no one was killed during the 9 October protests, the events at the Sydney Opera House were akin to a Port Arthur moment in terms of their social significance,” Dutton said. The prime minister and the premier of New South Wales both took issue with the opposition leader’s example, with Chris Minns warning Dutton to “keep NSW police out of the federal political fight” whileMedia Club on Thursday, the prime minister said Dutton’s comments went too far and he was “very concerned” about social cohesion in Australia.

Labor’s federal member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, whose electorate includes Port Arthur, condemned Dutton’s reference to 1996’s “unspeakable tragedy”.“As the local member here, I would ask Peter Dutton to reflect on that and refrain from making such divisive and inflammatory comments using the tragedy in our community.”

Albanese said efforts to politicise or weaponise issues surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict were not appropriate and risked dividing Australian communities.

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