The Australian government is reviewing a sweeping new proposal to combat what it considers antisemitism that critics say could severely restrict academic freedom, artistic expression, online discourse, and political speech on Palestine.

The recommendations, introduced by Australia’s special envoy on antisemitism, Jillian Segal, include potential funding cuts, legal sanctions, and deportation powers targeting individuals and institutions accused of spreading antisemitic views.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not formally endorsed the full proposal, he voiced support for key aspects during a launch event on Thursday. “There is no place in Australia for antisemitism,” he said. “The kind of hatred and violence we have seen on our streets recently is despicable and it won’t be tolerated.”

Report suggests sanctions against non-compliant institutions

Segal’s nine-month report claimed that antisemitism is becoming “ingrained and normalised” in Australian universities, arts institutions, and online spaces. It recommends sanctions for entities deemed unresponsive to antisemitic incidents, including federal funding cuts for non-compliant universities and the revocation of grants to academics and artists.

One of the most controversial recommendations calls for all levels of government to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, which critics warn is increasingly used to conflate criticism of "Israel" with hate speech. The definition has drawn backlash from human rights advocates and Palestinian solidarity groups globally.

Segal alleges that the plan targets antisemitism across multiple sectors: “It addresses antisemitism in our laws, classrooms, universities, media, workplaces, online spaces, and public institutions.”

Deportation, online censorship, and AI oversight proposed

Among the plan’s more far-reaching measures is a recommendation to grant authorities expanded powers to deport non-citizens over expressions deemed antisemitic. It also calls for tighter regulation of online platforms and content moderation algorithms, particularly artificial intelligence systems that may “amplify antisemitic content.”

The report advocates for reduced anonymity for users flagged as spreading hate, and coordination with the eSafety commissioner to ensure stricter controls on digital hate speech. It also proposes using “trusted voices” to refute antisemitic narratives and increasing media oversight to eliminate what it describes as “false or distorted” portrayals, particularly concerning Middle East coverage.

Though Segal did not name specific media outlets, she told Sky News that coverage of the region should reflect “fairness and balance” and promote stories that “boost the vitality of Jewish life.”

Political reactions highlight national divide

While the plan received support from both major parties, some leaders have voiced concern over its broader implications. Opposition leader Sussan Ley criticized Albanese for not adopting stronger commitments, while the Coalition endorsed the report, with Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie calling for a “whole-of-government response.”

Independent MP Allegra Spender expressed support for the proposals and urged prompt implementation.

However, Greens Senator David Shoebridge warned against using antisemitism legislation to silence dissent or shield "Israel" from criticism. “Conflating legitimate criticism with antisemitism is deeply offensive and wrong,” he said. “We should be willing to take on racism and division entirely, not seek to pit communities against each other.”

Critics say plan targets Palestine solidarity and academic freedom

Civil rights advocates have raised alarms over the potential consequences for academic institutions, especially with the proposed introduction of a “report card” to assess how universities handle antisemitism. Schools could face funding cuts if their responses are deemed insufficient, raising fears of self-censorship in classrooms and research.

The arts community is also in the crosshairs, as the report suggests revoking grants for artists and institutions perceived as promoting antisemitic narratives, which some fear could include political expressions of Palestinian solidarity.

Segal’s report also calls for expanding hate crime laws and increasing antisemitism education in schools, while attributing rising criticism of "Israel" among young Australians to what it frames as misinformation and generational divides. Her office cited internal polling showing that Australians under 35 are more likely to hold pro-Palestine views, a shift the report links to changing media consumption and reduced emphasis on Holocaust education.
 
Government sources described the report as “welcome", but noted that a formal response would be issued only after a full review of its recommendations.

As public debate continues, critics warn that the adoption of the IHRA definition and implementation of Segal’s proposals could have a chilling effect on free expression, particularly for students, journalists, and artists engaged in Palestinian rights advocacy.