Jillian Segal delivered a no-nonsense address about the dangers of growing antisemitism within Australia. In July, she delivered an important report to the government that included inflammatory recommendations for how to address what she described as “cascading hate” exacerbated by runaway narratives. This report comes on the heels of a sobering statistic. Horrifyingly, since the October 7 terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas, antisemitic incidents have increased by a mind-blowing 300 percent nationwide. Segal further stressed the importance of a “full-throttle” government response to address this practiong and worsening scourge.
Though the report was an impressive and extensive undertaking, the community response was decidedly mixed. The report made some members nervous about what its findings and recommendations could mean. To some, it was seen as a huge step backwards. Segal stressed that no time should be wasted in acting. He argued that the government needed to adopt a greater sense of urgency in its response.
Recommendations for Education and Cultural Support
Segal’s report makes an important recommendation. These lessons would need to be incorporated in state schools as well as private schools that receive state funding. She thinks that sort of education of young Australians is key to addressing the causes of antisemitism. Only through this approach will we begin to have a more inclusive society. Segal is committed to empowering a “university report card.” This tool is an important step to test how educational institutions respond to antisemitism and to push these organizations to be more accountable.
Segal continued by calling on Congress to do more to support Jewish cultural festivals. He pointedly stressed the importance of protecting the past and cultivating awareness by creating Holocaust museums. She remarked, “It can’t do this in a half-hearted fashion,” highlighting the necessity for a robust governmental commitment to these initiatives.
Segal pressed the importance of educational reform. He was adamant about not using taxpayer dollars to play on division or push out “distorted narratives.” This proposed stance would greatly favor the wise use of public dollars. It has an objective of promoting social cohesion rather than exacerbating divisions.
Addressing Media Representation and Online Discourse
The report indicates to the media how they contribute to public misperception about antisemitism. Segal plans to hold media organizations accountable for fair and accurate reporting, especially in light of the expanding conflict in Gaza. The purpose of this initiative is to counteract harmful and inflammatory misinformation that would lead to more antisemitic discourse.
Segal urged creating an anti hate speech project within social media platforms. This program would have these trusted voices step up to publicly counter antisemitic sentiments. This proactive approach is a first step toward building an online ecosystem that prevents the spread of hate and fosters fact-based discussion.
Josh Frydenberg, a prominent political figure, echoed the sentiments around the urgent need for action, stating, “The law must be enforced. People who are spewing hate unimpeded today must be stopped.” He criticized what he described as a lack of urgency from the government, saying, “It has sat on [the prime minister’s] desk. If that is not a metaphor for the failure of government to act with the urgency that we need, I don’t know what is.”
Comprehensive Measures and Legal Reforms
Segal’s report is not limited just to education and media. It makes several important recommendations for legal reforms to combat hate speech and vilification. Purely incitement to violence should not be the standard for vilification laws, she argued. Rather, these laws should cover the promotion of hatred. Furthermore, she argues for a more expansive application of laws prohibiting Nazi insignia.
To tighten national security efforts even more, Segal recommended that visa applicants be checked for antisemitic beliefs or connections. This would provide a legal basis under an amended Migration Act for such negative criteria to be used by immigration authorities to refuse visas. If threats against the Jewish community escalate, she has advised that emergency measures be considered, including establishing a standing joint taskforce and potential national security declarations.
If systemic problems persist, this commission should be convened by the beginning of the 2026 academic year at the latest. This inquiry seeks to better understand and respond to antisemitism in our educational communities.
