Jewish groups back antisemitism report, while critics warn of curbs on free speech

Sydney Morning Herald

2 days ago

Established Jewish groups have backed the recommendations of the federal government-appointed antisemitism special envoy as critics of Israel and a prominent free speech advocate slammed the proposals as draconian.
Special envoy Jillian Segal delivered on Thursday a landmark report with sweeping proposals to curtail hate against Jewish people.
The most contentious proposals included a call to strip funding from universities, charities and cultural institutions that fail to combat hatred against Jewish people, calls for editorial standards within the media and the screening of visa applicants for antisemitic views.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not say on Thursday whether his government would adopt all the report's recommendations, but he welcomed the report and said that some of its proposals were already under way or could be rolled out quickly.
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said the report was a significant milestone in fighting antisemitism.
'We particularly welcome the plan to withhold government funding from universities that fail to act against antisemitism,' Leibler said. 'Some of our major universities have seen a complete dearth of leadership, notwithstanding extensive consultation with Jewish students, staff, and numerous parliamentary inquiries.
'The real measure of this report will be its implementation. It is essential that these recommendations are enacted swiftly, and consistently by governments and institutions.'
Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, whose East Melbourne shule was targeted in an alleged arson attack last week, said he had not been able to closely examine the report but that 'it sounds like we are all moving in the right direction on this one'.
'Jillian Segal's office does some really good work for the community on the whole,' he said.