Australia's public broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, have declined to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which is being used by the royal commission into social cohesion. The ABC stated that it prefers to rely on its own internal editorial guidance on hate speech to maintain independence and public trust.
Background of the Royal Commission
The royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion was established after a December terror attack at a Bondi beach Hanukah celebration, where two gunmen killed 15 people and injured 40 others. The inquiry announced in February that it would apply the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.
Controversy Surrounding the IHRA Definition
The IHRA definition describes antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." Critics, including some Jewish and Palestinian groups, argue that it can conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. However, inquiry commissioner Virginia Bell has clarified that criticism of Israeli government policies is not inherently antisemitic.
The ABC acknowledged that many organizations find the definition useful but chose not to adopt it. The broadcaster's existing guidance on hate speech is clear, including the principle that legitimate criticism of Israel becomes antisemitic only when the target shifts from "Israel" to "Jews." The ABC noted that the IHRA's core definition is not inconsistent with its understanding, but the illustrative examples have become contentious and ambiguous.
SBS also declined to adopt the IHRA definition, stating that its internal style guide defines antisemitism as prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people. SBS emphasized its commitment to balanced and impartial reporting, noting that it does not endorse any single organization's definition.
Editorial Independence
The ABC stressed that its editorial policies result from widespread consultation with experts and community organizations. It considers it essential that these policies remain independently developed, owned, and applied, rather than externally imposed. The broadcaster looks forward to any findings from the royal commission.
Complaints and Hearings
War and conflict in the Middle East were the most complained-about subject to the ABC ombudsman last year, accounting for 26% of all complaints. The royal commission recently heard from the UK-based Community Security Trust, whose policy director, Dr. Dave Rich, stated that holding Jews collectively responsible for Israel's actions is used by terrorists to justify attacks. The next hearings, starting May 25, will focus on security agencies.
