Australia’s state and federal attorneys general are meeting to address rising antisemitism and online hate in a concerted effort to reinforce protections against discrimination and hate speech.
State and federal attorneys general are convening in Sydney for their first meeting of 2026 to tackle the issues of antisemitism and online hate. Federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland highlighted the need for a "coordinated and sustained response" against the alarming rise of antisemitism in Australia, calling for collaborative action across federal and state lines. Discussions will focus on legislative and regulatory frameworks required to combat hate speech, particularly on social media platforms that facilitate a significant spread of harmful content.
Jillian Segal, Australia’s antisemitism envoy, will present data indicating that antisemitism is not only increasing but has also become "more organised, more visible and more harmful." E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will contribute to the briefings with insights on the challenges of monitoring and regulating online hate speech. Rowland’s strong declaration that “there is no place in Australia for hatred of any kind” underlines a nationwide commitment to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society.
As the meeting unfolds, it sets the stage for possible new policies aimed at ensuring digital platforms take more responsibility for combatting hate online, especially relevant in a digital landscape that transcends geographical boundaries. This initiative seeks not only to address antisemitism but to tackle broader hate speech issues, reflecting an urgent call to balance free speech with the protection of vulnerable communities from hate-fueled violence and discrimination.
