Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under mounting pressure to withdraw public funding from universities, programs, and individuals who tolerate or fail to combat antisemitism, following a major report released today.
The report, authored by Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal, highlights a sharp rise in anti-Jewish hate since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Among the recommendations are funding cuts to institutions that “facilitate, enable or fail to act against antisemitism,” and the creation of a university “report card” for accountability.
It also calls for Holocaust and antisemitism education to be integrated into school curriculums, media monitoring for accuracy and responsibility, and cooperation with the eSafety Commissioner to curb online hate.
Segal urged a national approach rooted in democratic values and civic inclusion. The Jewish community welcomed the plan, calling it overdue and necessary. Albanese committed to a swift and careful review of the recommendations.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley demanded clarity on which measures would be adopted, stressing that antisemitism “is not just a matter of security, but a societal cancer.”
