Government Launches Plan to Combat Antisemitism in Australia: Demands Change from Universities and Media

A report by Australia's antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal demands change from universities and media to combat hate against Jewish Australians. The report, launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, comes in response to a rise in antisemitic incidents, including an alleged arson attack at a Melbourne synagogue and a firebombing of a Jewish childcare center in Sydney. Segal's plan includes promoting education and accountability in fighting antisemitism.

Australia's Special Envoy on Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has presented a comprehensive report demanding change from universities and media to combat hate against Jewish Australians. The report, launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, comes in response to a surge in antisemitic incidents, including an alleged arson attack at a Melbourne synagogue and a firebombing of a Jewish childcare center in Sydney.

Segal's report, which was developed in consultation with Jewish community organizations, includes a suite of measures aimed at promoting education and accountability in the fight against antisemitism. The recommendations, which are expected to be influenced by a 15-point plan set out by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), include calls for the federal government to declare antisemitism a national emergency. This would involve establishing a joint counter-terror taskforce, uniform policing guidelines and training on antisemitism, and greater focus in the national education curriculum [1].

The report also suggests revoking the charity status and funding of organizations that promote racism or antisemitism, amending the Migration Act to provide for antisemitic conduct to be grounds for visa refusal, and conditioning government grants to festivals and artists on their not promoting racism [1]. Additionally, the report proposes regulating social media algorithms to combat online abuse and better education for children around the modern face of antisemitism, going beyond historical lessons about the Holocaust [1].

The education minister, Jason Clare, has already signaled openness to updating school curriculums to include modern issues of antisemitism, not just focus on the Holocaust [1]. The ECAJ co-chief executive, Alex Ryvchin, expressed eagerness to see the government's response to the report [1].

The rise in antisemitic incidents has caused concern and fear within the Jewish community. The government, however, has committed to a swift response to Segal's recommendations. While it may not commit to implementing all of Segal’s advice, some Labor sources believe some suggestions may be adopted quickly [1]. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, stated that the government was working on a major response, expressing concern about antisemitism in society [1].

The recent arson attack at the East Melbourne synagogue, which caused no injuries, has underscored the urgency of addressing antisemitism. The prime ministers of Australia and Israel have condemned the attack, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promising that those responsible should face the law's full force [2]. The alleged arsonist, a 34-year-old man from Sydney, was charged with offenses including criminal damage by fire [3].

Australia has experienced several antisemitic incidents since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. The incidents have included a fake plan by organized crime to attack a Sydney synagogue using a caravan of explosives to divert police resources [3]. These attacks have targeted homes, schools, synagogues, and vehicles, highlighting the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response.

The government's response to Segal's report will be closely watched by the Jewish community and the broader Australian public. The measures proposed in the report, if implemented, could significantly enhance the safety and security of Jewish Australians and help to combat the rising tide of antisemitism.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/10/jillian-segal-special-envoy-antisemitism-anthony-albanese-labor-recommendations-ntwnfb
[2] https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/australian-israeli-pms-condemn-melbourne-synagogue-arson-attack/GOQUU6LF5JE7ZEANIW6GAFRM7Q/
[3] https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-07-05/australia-police-charge-man-over-alleged-arson-on-melbourne-synagogue