Liberal Senator James Paterson has warned against legislating the definition of antisemitism in Australia, arguing that doing so could jeopardize the nation’s long-standing protections for freedom of speech.
His comments follow the release of a new report from Special Envoy Jillian Segal, which recommends the federal government formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and consider penalties for institutions that enable hate speech against Jewish Australians.
Segal’s report also proposes cutting funding to universities or cultural festivals that tolerate antisemitic conduct and recommends allowing public grants to be revoked if recipients promote hatred.
While Senator Paterson acknowledged that the IHRA definition is “a helpful tool,” he firmly rejected the idea of embedding it in law.
“No one in Australia is proposing that this should be legislated or that there should be legal penalties under the IHRA,” he told the ABC. “And I don’t think anyone should propose that – it wouldn’t be consistent with Australia’s approach to freedom of expression.”
The controversy comes amid calls for Segal’s resignation, after it emerged that a trust linked to her husband, John Roth, had donated $50,000 to Advance Australia, a right-wing lobby group. Segal has denied knowledge of the donation and holds no formal role in the entity.
Former Foreign Minister Bob Carr added fuel to the fire, demanding that Segal disavow any views associated with Advance Australia if she wants to remain credible in her role.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended Segal, arguing she should not be judged for the actions of her husband. “We’re long past the time when a woman is blamed for a man’s decisions,” he said on ABC’s 7.30.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not yet committed to implementing the report’s recommendations but confirmed they are under review.
