Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, Jillian Segal, has released a comprehensive plan to counter hate crimes against the Jewish community. Photo: UNSW Sydney.
Funding would be withheld from universities and other publicly funded cultural institutions that failed to combat antisemitism under sweeping changes proposed in the wake of rising hate crimes against the Jewish community in Australia.
Hate speech laws would be reviewed to include and penalise vilification offences, and the promotion of hatred would be criminalised.
Visa applicants would also be screened for involvement in hate speech and activities, and media outlets monitored to ensure accurate coverage of race-related events and news.
The Federal Government’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, presented a detailed plan of action to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on steps to counter antisemitic activities in Australia.
Mr Albanese launched the plan on Thursday (10 July) saying he would review all its recommendations.
“Antisemitism is an evil scourge. There is no place in Australia for antisemitism,” Mr Albanese said.
“The kind of hatred and violence we’ve seen on our streets recently is despicable and it won’t be tolerated. And I want those responsible to face the full force of the law…
“Jillian [Segal] has put a lot of work into this report, which finds that antisemitism has risen to deeply troubling levels in Australia in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East.”
He said the report recommendations would be carefully considered.
“There are a number of things in here we’re doing. There are a number of things that can be implemented quickly.
“There are a number of things that will require work over a period of time. Part of the recommendations is that we will receive an annual report, and part of that will be an assessment of progress on these issues as well.”
Ms Segal said she would work with state and federal governments to ensure laws properly reflected Australian values and way of life with the view to including “actual hatred, and the speaking of hatred, and demonstrated hatred” as crimes.
“Publicly funded institutions like universities, cultural bodies and broadcasters will be expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability in fighting antisemitism,” she said.
“But education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others.
“The plan promotes a nationally consistent approach to teaching about the history, harms, and modern forms of antisemitism through the lens of democracy, social inclusion, shared civic responsibility and Australian values.”
She said age-appropriate education must be embedded into our school curriculum.
“We need to support professional development of teachers and public servants.
“We need to promote cultural understanding, back trusted voices online, and encourage responsible media reporting.”
Businesses, unions, sporting groups and community associations will be recruited to join a national effort to support the safety, visibility and contribution of Australia’s Jewish communities.
“So that no Australian feels the need to hide who they are and withdraw from public life,” Ms Segal said.
“We cannot hope to really abolish antisemitism, but we can push it to the margins of society.
“It must not be considered acceptable. It’s not normal to behave like that. We must restore the harmony we all seek and ensure no community is marginalised.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said community safety was paramount.
“Being safe and feeling safe is something which antisemitism flies in the face of,” he said.
Universities Australia welcomed the plan, noting the higher education sector had been working constructively with the special envoy during its preparation.
Chief executive officer Luke Sheehy said he was looking forward to more detail in the Federal Government’s response to the plan’s recommendations.
“This is a significant body of work and we’ll work closely with our members as we consider the recommendations,” Mr Sheehy said in a statement.
“Universities are committed to fostering respectful, inclusive and safe environments for all students and staff.
“We will continue to engage closely with the special envoy, government and community stakeholders on the issues raised in the report.”
He said racism had no place in Australia’s universities.
“Our sector condemns it in all forms.
“Academic freedom and freedom of expression are core to the university mission, but they must be exercised with responsibility and never as a cover for hate or harassment.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called on Mr Albanese to show greater leadership on the issue, noting his reluctance to immediately commit to implementing the plan’s recommendations in full.
“The Coalition welcomes the work of the special envoy, but it should not fall to one individual to shoulder this fight against hate,” Ms Ley said. “The government must show leadership. The Prime Minister must act.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community…
“This report shows antisemitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement. It’s a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts.”
