Statement: On the Antisemitism Report and the Prime Minister’s Response

10 July 2025

We are deeply alarmed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s embrace of recommendations that would see public funding withheld from universities, media organisations, and arts institutions unless they adopt a deeply contested definition of antisemitism—one that dangerously conflates criticism of Israel with hatred of Jews.

This push stands in stark contrast to a recent landmark ruling by the Federal Court of Australia, which affirmed that opposing Zionism and criticising the actions of the Israeli state is not antisemitism. Justice Stewart made it plain: “Political criticism of Israel, however inflammatory or adversarial, is not by its nature criticism of Jews in general or based on Jewish racial or ethnic identity.” The ruling is a clear defence of the right to speak out against apartheid, occupation, and genocide without being wrongly branded as racist.

For years, pro-Palestinian voices in Australia have been smeared or silenced for calling out Israel’s human rights abuses. The court’s decision is a powerful affirmation of our right to stand in solidarity with Palestinians—a right rooted in justice, not hate.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition promoted in the government’s report has been widely criticised by human rights organisations, legal scholars, and even its original authors for suppressing free speech and shielding Israel from accountability. Around the world, it has been used to silence academics, shut down student activism, and censor artists and journalists. Enshrining it in policy here would threaten the independence of our public institutions and the rights of Australians to raise their voices against injustice.

Fighting antisemitism is essential. But it must never be used as a weapon to stifle dissent, delegitimise Palestinian voices, or criminalise solidarity.

We call on the Albanese government to reflect on its duty to the Australian people—not just to one community, but to all. That means upholding the integrity of our universities, our press, and our cultural life. It means protecting—not punishing—those who speak out for freedom, equality, and justice.

Free Palestine Melbourne will continue to defend the right to oppose racism in all its forms—including antisemitism—and to stand firmly with the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation.

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