Addressing Antisemitism and Online Hate in Australia

On February 27, 2026, state and federal attorneys general convened in Sydney to address the rising concerns of antisemitism and online hate in Australia. This meeting, which included presentations from antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal and eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant, aimed to develop a coordinated response to combat these issues, particularly in the context of social media.

The Guardian

Recent reports indicate a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents across Australia. The Australian government has recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this growing problem, which has been described as becoming "more organised, more visible and more harmful." The meeting of attorneys general is part of a broader initiative to address these challenges through legal, educational, and enforcement measures.

The Guardian

• Jillian Segal: Antisemitism envoy who highlighted the need for a multifaceted response to antisemitism.

The Guardian

• Julie Inman Grant: eSafety commissioner focused on the role of online platforms in the spread of hate speech.

The Guardian

• Mark Dreyfus: Attorney-General who emphasized the importance of a national strategy to combat hate in all forms.

The Guardian

Mark Dreyfus stated, “There is no place in Australia for hatred of any kind – online or offline,” underscoring the government's commitment to addressing these issues. Jillian Segal called for a response that encompasses law, education, and enforcement, while Julie Inman Grant discussed the eSafety office's initiatives aimed at targeting online hate and providing education for community leaders.

The Guardian

While the meeting aimed to foster a unified approach, some critics argue that previous efforts to combat antisemitism have been insufficient. They emphasize the need for more robust legislation and proactive measures to ensure that online platforms are held accountable for the content they host.

The Guardian

The discussions from the meeting are expected to lead to the development of new policies and initiatives aimed at reducing antisemitism and online hate in Australia. This includes exploring systemic and individual redress initiatives that can effectively address the perpetuation of hateful content.

The Guardian

• “There is no place in Australia for hatred of any kind – online or offline,” — Mark Dreyfus, Attorney-General

The Guardian

• “more organised, more visible and more harmful” — Jillian Segal, Antisemitism Envoy

The Guardian

• “I am also pleased to have the opportunity to canvass a range of aligned, systemic and individual redress initiatives that could further target the perpetuation of this caustic and corrosive content, and provide education and training for Jewish community leaders and educators,” — Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner

The Guardian