Australia needs an antisemitism coordinator

When 35 like-minded countries released a statement condemning antisemitism in the wake of the October 7 attacks, Australia was noticeably absent.

The US, UK, Canada and every member of the European Union signed the joint statement, declaring that “history has taught us that at times like these, we must speak up and cannot be indifferent”.

Why not Australia? Because the statement was published by Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism, and Australia has no such position.

Perhaps Australian governments, proud of a peaceful and cohesive multicultural society, believed we didn’t need one. The unprecedented attacks on and intimidation of Jewish Australians over the past two months make it clear that, if that were ever the case, it is not so now.

The Australian government should appoint an official tasked with combatting antisemitism as soon as possible, with a broad brief to work with the Jewish and wider community to turn back the rising tide of antisemitism.

Antisemitism coordinators (sometimes called envoys, ambassadors or commissioners) are not representatives of the Jewish community, and they are not usually Jewish. Their existence protects not just Jews but everyone who wants a safe and decent society.

Their role is to work with a range of communities to prevent and counter antisemitism. They conduct research, develop policy, advance education, and develop community cohesion. They work with Jewish community organisations, but they work for everyone.

Appointing a public official to respond to antisemitism is a statement that antisemitism is a national problem, not just a "Jewish problem". The burden of fighting antisemitism must be shared, rather than left to the small and exhausted Jewish community.

It provides a mechanism for developing relevant public policy, for cooperation between community and government efforts, for concerted national policy (possibly with state and federal coordinators) and for the sharing of international best practice.