Key facts
- Jillian Segal proposed an external ombudsman to monitor ABC and SBS coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- The plan suggests enforceable conditions for arts and university grants to prevent antisemitic activism.
- Segal cited concerns from the Jewish community about disproportionate and misleading reporting on Israel.
- The envoy stated that "modern 'progressive' antisemitism" is the most pervasive form of prejudice in Australia.
Australia's antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, has proposed greater oversight for public broadcasters ABC and SBS, including an "external independent ombudsman" to monitor their coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The updated ASECA Priorities plan, released Friday, also suggests enforceable conditions for arts and university grants to prevent antisemitic activism.
Segal stated that many in the Jewish community are concerned about reporting perceived as one-directional, contributing to a negative view of those who support Israel. She noted that Jewish Australians have reported being abused and harassed. The envoy also argued that "modern 'progressive' antisemitism" is the most pervasive form of prejudice in Australia today, often disguised in the language of social justice.
The proposals come after Segal's appearance at Senate estimates, where she defended her criticism of SBS for quoting Gaza Ministry of Health death toll figures. A UN spokesperson had previously stated that the Ministry of Health in Gaza is a source often cited by the UN, with independent validation finding no significant discrepancies.