Labor MP accuses Greens leader of 'prejudice' over Jewish community comments

Labor MP Josh Burns has publicly criticized new Greens leader David Shoebridge over his comments regarding the Greens' relationship with the Jewish Australian community. Burns, who is Jewish himself, argued that Shoebridge's focus on those who share the Greens' views on the Middle East is not inclusive. The Labor Party still hopes to maintain constructive relationships with the new Greens leadership team.

Shoebridge, upon becoming Greens leader, was asked about repairing relations with the broader community, but rejected the premise of the question and stated that the Greens already have strong connections with much of the Australian Jewish community. However, Burns believes that Shoebridge's answer sends a chilling message to many people in the Jewish community.

Shoebridge's spokesperson stated that the original question was asked by a News Corp journalist who even decided not to publish it. The Greens leader's comments have been particularly criticized by members of the progressive Jewish community who feel their opposition to genocide and their humanist values are being ignored by the media.