Jillian Segal’s long-awaited plan to combat antisemitism in Australia is poised for release, following a year of development since her appointment to the role. The strategy seeks to combat antisemitism through a number of recommendations that will require federal legislation. This plan expands upon the 15-point framework previously proposed by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), introducing broader measures that cover various sectors, including public broadcasting and law enforcement.
Segal’s initiative aims to combat antisemitism on a variety of levels. It highlights the importance of partnership between educational institutions and Jewish student communities to report, respond to, and prevent antisemitic incidents. The plan delves into possible amendments to the Fair Work Act. These amendments would bring about stronger disciplinary actions against any government officials who break the Racial Discrimination Act.
A Holistic Approach to Combating Antisemitism
That upcoming strategy, now expected in the spring, will address safeguarding Jewish communities. It seeks to protect other minority groups, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, from hate speech and vilification. Segal’s strategy takes its lead from the local Jewish community and combines this approach with international best practices. In doing so, it hopes to help create a more inclusive and mutually-respected society.
The ECAJ had an earlier listed 15 calls to action. They called for a judicial inquiry into antisemitism on campuses if the government’s response was inadequate. This question reflects a growing concern over antisemitism in our schools. Recent occurrences, such as the personally responsible, inflammatory comments made by Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad, have further added to this concern. His comments, termed “antisemitic” and “fundamentally racist” in a recent parliamentary committee report, have triggered national outrage at the precedent-setting growth of hate speech in Australia.
“Wicked”, “scheming” and “descendants of apes and pigs.” – Comments made by Wissam Haddad
Federal independent MP Allegra Spender welcomed Segal’s plan, praising its capacity to create a more equitable, inclusive Australian society. She emphasized that fighting antisemitism means having a willingness to educate and have an open conversation — especially for young people, like those in our schools and universities.
Legislative Changes on the Horizon
One of the most controversial aspects of Segal’s plan, though, is probably the call for new federal laws to limit hate speech. Spender pointed out the current legislative gaps, stating, “We still don’t have national laws that stop hate speech. We have laws against hate crimes, but not just the speech, and I think that is still a significant gap.”
This legislative framework will confront antisemitism in a meaningful way. It will tackle anti-LGBTQ+ hate and other types of hate directed at marginalized communities. Creating a supportive and respectful space allows for free-flowing and honest conversations. This hope extends to calming growing tensions before they flare up into violence.
Spender echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to build into educational paradigms a framework for productive dissent. She remarked, “I honestly think if we created more forums for people to disagree in our universities, forums and structures, for people to disagree well, we might not end up with some of the more extreme violence and protest.”
Engaging Communities in Dialogue
Segal’s holistic approach stresses the importance of universities and colleges — and other institutions — to meaningfully and directly connect with Jewish student organizations. Through a commitment to discussion, these institutions are more equipped to comprehend the issues at play and effectively collaborate to do the most good through their solutions.
The strategy further makes recommendations for law enforcement training focused on identifying and combatting antisemitism. This proactive approach aims to equip officers with the tools necessary to navigate complex situations involving hate speech and discrimination.
Spender has long argued that education is key in the fight against antisemitism. She stated, “We need to start teaching our kids at schools and universities about how to have that conversation,” emphasizing that fostering respectful discussions will build a foundation for understanding and tolerance.
“We will always have, in a diverse country like Australia, different views about important issues but we can’t let this play out in violence and intimidation.” – Allegra Spender
