This plan seeks to halt and reverse the continued escalation of antisemitism in Australia. We call for complete and public rejection of the normalisation of divisive rhetoric and activity that has sought to redefine Zionism as a violent or criminal movement. We emphasise the peaceful nature of the Australian Jewish community and our wish for all Australians to live harmoniously.
- Reform Public Protest Settings and Prohibit Extremist Rhetoric
Immediately accept amendments to further strengthen unmasking, protest at places of worship and terrorist display symbols laws currently before Parliament; urgently introduce a protest permit system to ensure national consistency and in the meantime, implement temporary restrictions on protests in defined locations where there is demonstrable risk to safety replicating NSW reforms; consistent, best practice firearms reforms; enhance police powers, and laws if necessary, to address divisive, unduly disruptive or extreme language; and ensure no community faces intimidation under the guise of free speech.
- Address Legal Deficiencies Enabling Division and Hate
Modernise the Local Government Act to allow ministerial intervention where council motions fuel division or discrimination; commit to a 12month postimplementation review of anti-vilification laws; and consider amendments to the Summary Offences Act to enable police to respond to threatening slogans such as “Globalise the Intifada.”
- Support Jewish Cultural Vibrancy and Community Security
Provide sustained investment in Jewish cultural festivals, museums, and collaborative creative initiatives. Encourage non-Jewish cultural institutions to engage Jewish voices and input. Immediate, increased and sustained operational security funding for Jewish schools, synagogues, community centres, camps and community events, including guards, patrols and protective services.
- Adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism Across Government
Mandate consistent adoption of the IHRA definition in all Victorian government departments and public institutions to strengthen operational clarity and accountability in identifying antisemitism.
- Expand Jewish Cultural Awareness and Antisemitism Training for Adults
In partnership with community peak bodies, encourage and facilitate all Victorian workplaces, sporting codes, business sectors, regulatory bodies and others to undertake Jewish cultural awareness and antisemitism training. Ensure police, prosecutors, judiciary and other authorities receive expert training to apply laws with an informed understanding of all aspects of antisemitism.
- Embed Jewish Cultural and Antisemitism Education in Schools
Embed Jewish cultural education for students, from upper-primary to senior school, and antisemitism awareness training for school staff across government, Catholic and independent schools, in partnership with community education organisations.
- Implement a Social Cohesion Pledge with Compliance Powers
Speed up the introduction of the state-wide social cohesion pledge for funded organisations, supported by an independent authority able to investigate complaints and withdraw funding where conduct or programming undermines community harmony. Strengthen Victorian public service and government appointments code of conduct to enable swift consequences for those who use their public position to divide.
- Strengthen Reporting and Data Collection on Antisemitic Incidents
Support programs that encourage reporting, improve data collection, and continue to provide support to community to publish regular antisemitism data to guide policy responses and community safety planning.
- Expand the Jewish Antisemitism Support Service
Resource a community referral hub providing practical, psychological and legal support for Jewish individuals who have experienced or witnessed antisemitism.
- Invest in High Quality Interfaith and Intercultural Engagement Prioritise the establishment of Multicultural Victoria and provide budget to fund programs that meaningfully connect diverse communities across Victoria, strengthen shared understanding, reduce prejudice, and promote social cohesion.
For media inquiries, please contact the JCCV on +61 3 9272 5566 or email community@jccv.org.au
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