ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Last night's arson attack on the synagogue in East Melbourne is cowardly, is an act of violence and antisemitism, and has no place in Australian society.

It is to be hoped that the perpetrator is brought to justice urgently, and that he faces the full force of the law, and anyone involved in this attack faces the full force of the law.

I have spoken just today with Rabbi Dovid Gutnick. Dovid is someone who is very proud of the community that he leads.

And the fact that people were having a peaceful dinner and was disrupted by this act of violence could have had catastrophic consequences. And it is just fortunate that people have been kept safe.

It is also completely unacceptable the attack that occurred at a restaurant in Melbourne, and also the attack on a business in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.

The Victoria Police are leading the investigation, but we have pledged Australian Federal Police support, as well as our security and intelligence agencies, including ASIO.

The Home Affairs Minister will meet with people tomorrow in Melbourne as well.

And we will continue to do whatever is required or requested of us to provide this ongoing support.

But Australians have every right to be able to conduct their faith, to engage with each other in peace and harmony.

That is the Australia that we cherish.

And these actions have no place in our country.

Thank you.