RAF EPSTEIN, HOST: The synagogue fire in Ripponlea is clearly suspicious. The Jewish community are on edge. It comes at a time, of course, of really heightened debate. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is in Perth. He is about to leave for Perth. Good morning, Prime Minister.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. It's a terrible morning to awake to this news which all Australians should unequivocally condemn. This is an outrage. The violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is something that we should never see in Australia. It's risk lives, it's clearly aimed at creating fear in the community. And I've spoken with Josh Burns this morning.
EPSTEIN: It's in his seat, isn't it? In the Melbourne MPs seat?
PRIME MINISTER: Yes, that's right. And it's, I mean, he told me that this is a community that very much revolves around the synagogue. Many Holocaust survivors came from Hungary, in particular after World War II, and it's been a centre of community activity. It's a peaceful organisation and community and this attack is just an outrage. I have been briefed this morning by the AFP Commissioner, Reece Kershaw. There are two persons of interest who were there and witnessed, what was witnessed was them using accelerant and then spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur. Victoria Police, arson squad, are leading the investigation at this stage.
EPSTEIN: Do you know if they know who those people are or if they've got a good description of them?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, they're examining the CCTV and the forensic squad will be there as well, as part of that. The Melbourne joint counter terrorism task force will be liaising, of course, with Vic Pol, and the police will be making a statement later this morning.
EPSTEIN: Can I ask you about it? You mentioned counter terrorism police in Victoria. Are they liaising or are they officially involved? Because I understand that it's clearly a suspicious fire, but I don't know if there's anything solid on the motive. But what do you know exactly what the involvement of counter terrorism police is in Victoria?
PRIME MINISTER: Just that they're liaising at this point. Vic Pol are the lead organisation at this point. But obviously the nature of this, and this is clearly an act of antisemitism.
EPSTEIN: Do we know it's antisemitism, PM?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's an attack on a place of worship, a synagogue there. So, you know, by definition, this is an act of hate and it's something that should not occur in Australia or anywhere else for that matter. People must be allowed to conduct their faith as they see fit in a peaceful way.
EPSTEIN: And you don't worry that labelling it antisemitism is getting ahead of where the police investigation might be?
PRIME MINISTER: I think an attack on a synagogue is an act of antisemitism by definition.
EPSTEIN: Do you worry about social cohesion?
PRIME MINISTER: I absolutely do. That's why I've appointed Peter Khalil as a Special Envoy on Social Cohesion. It is a real issue for many communities and we need to cherish the nation that we've built, a nation where people can live side by side, conducting themselves with different faiths, different backgrounds, different ethnicities, and be enriched by our diversity. It's a strength of Australia and we can't take it for granted.
EPSTEIN: PM, thank you for your time.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much, Raf.