Australia is considering a comprehensive plan to combat rising antisemitism, led by anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal, which includes withholding funding from institutions that fail to address hate, banning AI tools that spread Jewish hatred, and expanding government powers to deport visitors with antisemitic views.

The plan highlights the normalization of antisemitism in universities and cultural spaces, proposing a 'report card' system to assess campus safety for Jewish students and threatening funding penalties for non-compliance.

Additional measures include cutting funding for cultural festivals promoting hate, screening visa applicants for antisemitic affiliations, and potentially canceling visas of non-citizens involved in hate activities.

While some components of the plan have bipartisan support, there are concerns from legal groups about potential infringements on free speech and the risk of suppressing legitimate criticism.

Opposition figures and government officials are calling for swift implementation and clarification on which recommendations will be adopted, emphasizing the importance of societal and cultural measures alongside security efforts.

Jewish community leaders, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, largely endorse the measures, viewing them as urgently needed in light of recent antisemitic incidents, though some groups warn about potential threats to political dissent and free expression.

Critics argue that the plan could limit legitimate criticism of Israel and conflate antisemitism with political dissent, with concerns about vague criteria for funding and the potential for ideological conformity.

Recent violent antisemitic incidents, including arson attacks on synagogues and vandalism, have intensified calls for stronger hate crime laws and community protections.

The government is also considering broader educational reforms, including updating school curriculums to include contemporary issues of antisemitism and promoting Holocaust education.

Prime Minister Albanese has condemned hate speech and violence, emphasizing that Australia should be a society where people can learn and engage without fear, fostering diversity and inclusion.

Jewish leaders advocate for broader structural changes in education and policing to address antisemitism effectively, beyond just security measures.