Australia's Plan to Combat Antisemitism: Funding to Be Stripped from Institutions Failing to Fight Jewish Hate

The special envoy to combat antisemitism will work with the government to withhold funding from universities failing to reduce hatred against Jewish students, monitor media organizations for accurate coverage, and screen visa applicants for antisemitic views under a plan launched by the prime minister. Special envoy Jillian Segal will also review hate speech laws, including vilification offenses and the promotion of hatred. Ms. Segal's plan aims to push antisemitism to the margins rather than abolish it completely.

Reported incidents of antisemitism in Australia have increased over 300% in a year, following events in Israel and Gaza. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the plan and highlighted the need for a safe environment for all students. The plan includes a review of hate speech laws, criminalizing the promotion of hatred, and developing guidance for law enforcement.

Ms. Segal also recommended regulations for social media companies to prevent online hate amplification. She called for monitoring media organizations to ensure fair reporting and proposed stripping funding from institutions facilitating antisemitism. Universities failing to combat antisemitism may have their funding withheld, and a judicial inquiry into campus antisemitism could be established in the future.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.