A video showing two nurses making threatening remarks about Israeli patients has sparked calls for a “national conversation” on migration and citizenship, according to Opposition leader Peter Dutton.
Police are currently investigating the possibility of charges against the nurses, one of whom, Ahmad Rashad Nadir, is an Afghan refugee who recently gained Australian citizenship.
In response to the incident, the Australian health practitioner regulatory body updated its records to indicate that Nadir and his colleague, Sarah Abu Lebdeh, are prohibited from working as nurses in any capacity. Previously, the nurses had their registrations suspended by the NSW Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Dutton has suggested that the incident highlights the flaws in Australia’s migration system, pointing out the limitations the government faces in revoking citizenship. He expressed concerns about individuals who may harbor anti-Australian sentiments but continue to benefit from the country’s welfare and healthcare systems.
Labor’s Anne Aly criticized Dutton for shifting the focus of the conversation about antisemitism to immigration, calling it a politically motivated move. Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan also weighed in, suggesting that dual citizens who breach Australia’s trust should lose their citizenship, recalling past attempts under Dutton’s tenure as home affairs minister to introduce laws allowing for the removal of citizenship from dual nationals suspected of terrorism.
One of the nurses involved later apologized through his lawyer, acknowledging the severity of the situation. The video, which was initially shared by Israeli influencer Max Veifer, shows one nurse claiming he had sent Israeli patients “to hell” and another stating that she would refuse to treat Israeli patients, even going as far as saying she would kill them.
The NSW Police are currently investigating the matter, examining CCTV footage from Bankstown Hospital and interviewing staff members. As of now, no Israeli patients have been reported to have been affected by the nurses’ actions.
The video has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the footage as “sickening” and “shameful.” Health Minister Mark Butler also condemned the nurses’ remarks, stressing that such hate has no place in Australia’s health system.
NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the damage the scandal has caused to public trust in the healthcare system, stating that incidents of overt racism from public servants cannot be tolerated.
In response to the incident, NSW will hold a parliamentary inquiry later this year to address issues surrounding antisemitism, ranging from security measures at synagogues to Holocaust education in schools. Liberal MP Chris Rath, who proposed the inquiry, vowed to take a firm stance against antisemitism and promote proactive measures to combat it.