Antisemitism envoy proposes ‘external ombudsman’ to monitor ABC and SBS coverage of Israel and Middle East
Summary
Australia’s antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, proposed an independent ombudsman to review ABC and SBS coverage of Gaza and the Middle East. Her updated plan also recommends enforceable rules for arts groups and universities that could restrict some conduct or speech and end grants; Segal said the proposals are not intended to silence criticism of Israel.Key Facts
- Segal’s plan suggests a government-appointed panel review past reporting by ABC and SBS.
- The plan proposes transferring some oversight responsibilities from the broadcasters’ own ombudsmen to an external independent ombudsman.
- Segal said members of Australia’s Jewish community had raised concerns about coverage they viewed as disproportionate, misleading, or inaccurate.
- ABC and SBS have rejected calls for external oversight, according to the article.
- The plan recommends that arts organisations set enforceable conditions on artists’ political or ideological activity outside the advertised work and potentially terminate grants.
- It proposes that grant authorities be able to end academic funding when recipients engage in antisemitic speech or conduct.
- Segal told Senate estimates she was concerned about the tone and frequency of ABC reporting on Gaza.
- The royal commission into antisemitism was established after the Bondi beach massacre, in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration.
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