Terms of Reference

The below Terms of Reference provide context to the appointment and information on the role of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.

Antisemitism in Australia

Antisemitism has a long history both in Australia and internationally, with a significant increase since the 7 October 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This has given rise to the increasing urgency of addressing antisemitism in the domestic Australian context.

The surge of reported antisemitic incidences has occurred in both physical and online contexts. These threaten the safety and security not only of Australia’s Jewish community but also of Australia as a whole and its future as a peaceful, free, cohesive and diverse multicultural society.

As part of the Government’s response, a Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism (the Special Envoy) will be appointed for a term of three years and will report directly to the Prime Minister and to the Minister for Home Affairs. Secretariat, strategic communications and policy support will be provided by the Department of Home Affairs. 

Function of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism

The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism will assist and advise Government by:

  • Providing advice to the Prime Minister and to the Minister for Home Affairs to inform policy development, legislation, campaigns (in accordance with the Australian Government Guidelines on Information and Advertising Campaigns by non-corporate Commonwealth entities) and programs that will go to effectively combatting antisemitism and social cohesion factors that drive the behaviour across online and social media, traditional media, and within education, arts, culture and industry sectors
  • Promoting public awareness and understanding of the impacts of antisemitism by highlighting diverse Jewish Australian identities, the ongoing contributions of Jewish Australians to the building and progress of Australia, and combatting stereotypes and misinformation in communication channels
  • Engaging with public and private sector stakeholders across whole of society and utilising research and data to identify the drivers of antisemitic behaviour
  • Supporting efforts to address systemic and interpersonal racism (including antisemitism), hate speech, discrimination and divisive language through public education and awareness, through engaging in media opportunities, facilitating roundtables and participating in public discussion with the support of the Department of Home Affairs
  • Identifying ways to strengthen broad social cohesion, including fostering inter-faith dialogue, for all Australians
  • Undertaking other related tasks that may be necessary from time to time
  • The Special Envoy role is a non-statutory Ministerial appointment.