Fears doctors criticising Israel may be silenced as health watchdog adopts contested antisemitism definition
Summary
Australia’s health regulator, Ahpra, has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism to guide its work. Some groups, like the peak Jewish body, support the move, while others, including the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, worry it might stop health workers from speaking out about Israel’s actions.Key Facts
- Ahpra adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism to guide its regulatory work.
- The IHRA definition includes examples that some say could mix criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
- The move is supported by the Australian government’s special envoy to combat antisemitism and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).
- The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (Apan) fears the definition may lead to silencing health workers critical of Israel.
- Since October 2023, some health workers have reported fear of professional consequences for speaking about Gaza and Palestine.
- Ahpra is reviewing its process to handle complaints about health workers to avoid misuse of the system.
- The antisemitism royal commission was set up after a December 2022 terrorist attack in Bondi where 15 people died.
- Media outlets ABC and SBS chose not to adopt the IHRA definition, citing the need for editorial independence.
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