Labor MP Josh Burns has told the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion that his non-Jewish partner, Georgie Purcell, faces antisemitic abuse because of her relationship with him. Burns, who is Jewish, testified that while he and his office receive thousands of abusive messages, Purcell—a Victorian MP for the Animal Justice Party—is also targeted.
Abuse includes misogyny and sexualised threats
Burns said the abuse directed at Purcell combines antisemitism with misogyny and violent, sexualised comments. 'She gets a layer of misogyny and a layer of sort of violent, sexualised comments on top of it as well,' he told the commission. The testimony highlights the intersection of different forms of hatred.
Royal commission examines rising antisemitism
The royal commission is investigating antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia, following a rise in incidents. Burns's evidence underscores the personal toll on public figures and their families. The commission has heard from multiple witnesses about online abuse and real-world attacks.
Broader context of antisemitic incidents
The testimony comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitism, including after the Bondi beach terror attack and ongoing debates about religion and social cohesion. Burns's account adds to the record of how antisemitism affects not only Jewish Australians but also those associated with them.
