Key facts
- Australia's health regulator, Ahpra, adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism.
- The IHRA definition states antisemitism is 'a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.'
- Critics argue the definition's examples can conflate antisemitism with legitimate criticism of Israel.
- The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (Apan) warned the adoption could lead to silencing health professionals.
- Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner stated the agency is committed to eliminating antisemitism from the health system.
- The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the adoption, calling the definition a 'practical, internationally-recognised tool'.
Australia's health watchdog, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for its regulatory work. This move has drawn praise from Jewish community bodies but has also raised concerns among advocacy groups that it could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel's human rights record by health professionals.
Ahpra's chief executive, Justin Untersteiner, stated that antisemitism has no place in healthcare and that the agency is committed to working with the Special Envoy to combat antisemitism to ensure everyone feels safe when accessing care. The IHRA definition, which describes antisemitism as 'a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews,' includes illustrative examples that opponents argue can be used to conflate antisemitism with criticism of Israel.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (Apan) expressed concern that the adoption could lead to healthcare workers facing suspensions or bans due to complaints about their political expression regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Apan highlighted that healthcare workers have reported fearing professional consequences for speaking publicly about Gaza since October 2023. The network also noted the destruction of Gaza's health system and the killing of healthcare workers and patients.
Ahpra is reportedly reviewing its framework for handling vexatious complaints and is establishing an advisory panel to improve processes and strengthen safeguards. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, a peak Jewish body, welcomed Ahpra's decision, having previously endorsed the IHRA definition as a practical tool. Jillian Segal, the federal government's special envoy to combat antisemitism, also commended the move, advocating for its adoption across all levels of government and public institutions.