Calls for a Federal Commission on Antisemitism
A former Christchurch councillor who supported victims of the city’s mass shootings says that antisemitism in Australia may persist for years unless a formal inquiry is established. Drawing on the devastating lessons from New Zealand’s royal commission into the Christchurch mosque attacks, he argues that a comprehensive federal inquiry could illuminate the scale of antisemitic activity, identify vulnerable communities, and propose concrete policy responses.
From New Zealand’s Royal Commission to Australia’s Policy Debate
The New Zealand royal commission into the 2019 mass shootings, which targeted the Muslim community in Christchurch, laid bare the environment of hate that can culminate in violence. It produced far-reaching recommendations across law, social cohesion, countering violent extremism, and mental health outreach. Advocates say Australia should consider a similar inquiry not because it faces identical circumstances, but because it shares challenges around extremism, online radicalisation, and discrimination against minority groups, including Jewish communities.
Why a Commission Could Matter
Proponents contend that a formal inquiry would deliver independent oversight, gather data that is often scattered across local and federal agencies, and produce a public, transparent set of reforms. Specific aims might include evaluating the spread of antisemitic rhetoric online, improving reporting mechanisms for hate crimes, and ensuring schools and workplaces have clear protocols for addressing harassment and discrimination.
What Victims and Communities Request
New Zealand’s experience showed that victims benefit from a structured process that validates their experiences and guides policymakers. In Australia, Jewish community leaders have long called for stronger protections and better engagement with law enforcement. An official commission could help translate those concerns into actionable strategies, while also signaling societal intolerance for antisemitism and hate in all forms.
Political and Public Support
Support for a federal inquiry into antisemitism would likely hinge on a cross-party consensus and robust community consultation. Critics may worry about cost or scope, but supporters point to the potential for long-term social and security benefits. The Christchurch councillor emphasizes that delay could allow prejudice to fester, making communities feel unsafe and unheard.
Practical Steps if a Commission Is Established
Even in the absence of a formal inquiry, several pragmatic measures could help address antisemitism now: enhanced reporting channels for hate incidents, mandatory training for educators and law enforcement on recognizing antisemitic indicators, and targeted funding for community-led safety programs. A commission, however, could codify these efforts into a cohesive national framework with measurable milestones.
Balancing Civil Liberties and Public Safety
Any inquiry would need to balance civil liberties with public safety. It would examine online platforms’ roles in amplifying hate, while protecting free expression and privacy. International best practice suggests that successful inquiries involve diverse stakeholders, including religious groups, civil society, educators, and tech companies, to craft recommendations that are practical and enforceable.
Looking Ahead
As communities reflect on the legacies of attacks that target faith groups, the question remains: how do we convert lessons learned into durable protection? The Christchurch councillor’s call to action reflects a broader trend of urging policymakers to use evidence-based inquiries to confront antisemitism and other forms of discrimination head-on. Whether Australia moves to establish a federal commission or pursues parallel reforms, the emphasis is on proactive, transparent governance that acknowledges harm, supports victims, and prevents future violence.
