Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
Key Points
  • Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal released a 20-point plan to combat hostility towards Jewish Australians last week.
  • If adopted, universities and artists could lose government funding if they don’t act against antisemitism.
  • Labor MP Ed Husic has cautioned against an approach that used “threats of funding”.
Australia “shouldn’t necessarily get hung up” on antisemitism definitions, former cabinet minister Ed Husic says, but has cautioned against a “heavy-handed” response following a report from the federal antisemitism envoy.
Last week, envoy Jillian Segal released a 20-page plan to combat hostility towards Jewish Australians, which included adopting a definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) before taking coordinated action.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will consider the plan’s recommendations but has not committed to it in full. Education Minister Jason Clare has said the government was carefully considering it as it awaits a similar report from the special envoy for Islamophobia next month.

Segal believes the definition explicitly outlines what is considered problematic and what is not. Several Jewish organizations, such as the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, advocate for the complete adoption of the plan.

Husic cautioned against an approach that used “threats of funding”, following recommendations that universities and artists could have government funding pulled if they failed to act against antisemitism.
The report also proposed cutting back funding from public broadcasters if they are found to be perpetuating distorted representations of Jews or not balanced in their reporting.
“I would be very careful. I would much prefer us finding ways to bring people together rather than being heavy-handed in response,” Husic said.
He also said “we shouldn’t necessarily get hung up on definitions”.

“I feel that the issue of definition immediately raises the concern of whether individuals will be able to voice their opinions on actions, like those by the Netanyahu government in Gaza, and how those opinions would be addressed under such a definition,” he stated.

The special envoy’s report also recommended uniform education around the Holocaust and what constitutes antisemitism, an inquiry into antisemitism on university campuses and better police training to prevent and respond to threats.

Universities Australia committed to considering the report’s recommendations.

Definition author and Liberal MP raise free speech concerns

IHRA’s definition, finalised in 2016, states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
“It has been a very helpful tool and helpful guideline. No-one in Australia, though, is proposing that [it] should be legislated or that there should be consequences under the law for transgressing IHRA,” he told ABC’s Radio National on Tuesday.

“I don’t think anyone should propose that. I don’t think that’d be consistent with Australia’s approach to free speech.”

JAMES PATERSON PRESSER

Liberal senator James Paterson has raised free speech concerns over legislating the antisemitism definition. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Among critics cautioning the Australian government from adopting the IHRA definition into law is its author, Kenneth Stern, who labelled the prospect “a disaster”.

On Monday, he said the definition is “being weaponised” to go after free speech, including pro-Palestinian speech.
Upon suggestions that institutions could lose funding, he drew parallels to McCarthyism in the 1950s.
The period during which individuals under suspicion of communist sympathies lost jobs and were publicly shamed, particularly in the US, is considered to have hindered free speech.
“What that does is not only harm democracy, it blinds us to how antisemitism actually works,” Stern said.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Just one month ago, Jenna Ellen had started her first IVF treatment and was optimistic about starting a family with the love of her life

31-Year-Old Jenna’s Journey: Overlooked Cancer Warning Signs Every Young Woman Should Know

Just a month ago, Jenna Ellen embarked on her first IVF journey,…

Why Skipping Travel Insurance Could Cost Australians More Than They Think

The Australian government’s official travel advisory service says taking out travel insurance…

Australian Homeowners Face $42 Billion Financial Burden: What It Means for You

Homeowners in flood zones are paying “a disaster penalty”, with a new…

Sanae Takaichi Breaks Barriers: What Her Historic Achievement Means for Women in Japan

Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who admires Margaret Thatcher, became Japan’s first…
Dayna Lynch - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Dayna Seeks $20,000 for Rare Surgery to Restore Arm Functionality

Exclusive Report: A Melbourne artist is facing the possibility of losing the…

Rising Living Costs Hit Australians Hard: Unveiling a Larger Issue

Cost of living spikes continue to push living standards down. To learn…
Missing four-year-old Gus

Ex-Tyrrell Detective Shares Insider Insights on the Ongoing Search for Missing Boy Gus

One of the nation’s most high-profile former detectives says he’s confident South…
James Vlassakis arrives at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Attorney-General Demands Urgent Review: Controversial Parole Decision for Infamous Snowtown Killer Under Scrutiny

The South Australian attorney-general has taken steps to challenge the recent decision…
Prince Andrew

UK Prime Minister Supports Investigation into Prince Andrew’s Rent-Free Lease at Royal Lodge

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind an inquiry…

JD Vance Expresses Optimism About Gaza Ceasefire Stability Amid Ongoing Repatriation Efforts

United States vice president JD Vance has said he has “great optimism”…
Shane Hryhorec has been using a wheelchair for the past 18 years and ran into an ironic and glaring issue at Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler's office in Port Adelaide.

Accessibility Fail: Shocking Barrier Encountered at Disability Minister’s Office

For nearly two decades, Shane Hryhorec has navigated life in a wheelchair,…
According to clinical nutritionist, Gina Urlich, everyday seed oils could be slowly wrecking our health - and they're in everything from fast food takeaways and salad bar dressings to supermarket breads and even so-called 'healthy' snacks

Clinical Nutritionist Reveals the Common Kitchen Staple She Steers Clear Of

Many of us might casually pour a bit of oil into the…