Special times requiring special envoys, firstly against antisemitism in Australia

Australia now has a special envoy on antisemitism, appointed by Anthony Albanese to help counter the rise in attacks on the Jewish community.

Soon it will also have a special envoy focussing on Islamophobia too.

Jillian Segal AO will be known as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to preserve social cohesion in Australia.

The role has been created in light of the growing tensions in Australia over the conflict in the Middle East, which the Prime Minister says has deeply affected communities across the country.

Ms Segal will listen to and engage with Jewish Australians, the wider Australian community, religious discrimination experts and all levels of government on the most effective way to combat antisemitism.

Ms Segal will attend the World Jewish Congress in Argentina next week in her role as special envoy, alongside other special envoys to combat antisemitism from around the world.

“There is no place for violence or hatred of any kind in Australia,” Mr Albanese said when announcing Ms Segal’s appointment.

“The appointment of Jillian Segal AO is a critical step in easing the tensions that we see playing out here at home, as a result of the devastating conflict in the Middle East.

“Australians are deeply concerned about this conflict, and many are hurting. In times like this, Australians must come together, not be torn apart.

“We have built our nation’s social cohesion together over generations, and this is why we all must work together to uphold, defend and preserve it.”

The PM said appointing the special envoy was a critical step in the government’s efforts to ensure all Australians felt safe and included.

He said every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to feel safe and at home in any community, without prejudice or discrimination.

“The Australian Government continues to press for a ceasefire, for civilians to be protected, humanitarian aid to reach Gazans in desperate need, and for all hostages to be released,” the Prime Minister said.

“We have advocated for a two-state solution on the world stage, at the United Nations.”

Ms Segal’s career spans decades in both the public and private sectors, including as former president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and as chair of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Albanese said her leadership and lived experience would prove invaluable to the government’s efforts to build a cohesive society, where all Jewish Australians feel safe and can thrive.

In accepting the appointment, Ms Segal said combating antisemitism in Australia had never been more important than it was today.

“The Jewish community in Australia is experiencing valid feelings of fear in the face of increasing antisemitism,” she said.

“Jewish Australians want to feel free to live their day-to-day lives, and also want to feel safe to practise and express their religion without fear.

“They also want to be able to contribute as they have previously to the vibrant multicultural society that we value in Australia.

“I look forward to working with stakeholders across the community to deliver a safer future for my community, and to strengthen social cohesion and drive a strong, informed and deliberate approach to combating antisemitism.”

Ms Segal’s appointment is for a three-year term and she will report directly to the Prime Minister and to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles.

Mr Giles said the appointment bolstered the government’s almost $90 million investment in initiatives to tackle the ongoing impacts of the Hamas-Israel conflict in Australia.

He said the government was listening to and working with affected communities and had “zero tolerance” for prejudice or hatred of any kind.

“Antisemitic behaviour in Australia, including its recent rise, is unacceptable and the appointment of Ms Segal demonstrates our government’s firm commitment to tackling antisemitism head-on,” the minister said.

“Ms Segal’s extensive leadership experience, and decades of advocacy for Jewish Australians will be invaluable as she works with government to engage with community and take decisive steps to combat antisemitic behaviour.”

The Federal Government will also appoint a special envoy on Islamophobia, with the details of that appointment to be announced shortly.