‘Disgrace’: Coalition demands antisemitism hearings into ABC

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:01]Now, the coalition has formally asked the Royal Commissioner, Virginia Bell, to set up a block of hearings into Australia's arts institutions and public broadcasters.

[00:00:13]This is a breaking story I'm bringing to you now. In a statement, Shadow Attorney General Michaelia Cash and Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson said that cultural institutions and broadcasters like the ABC shape public debate and influence cultural norms.

[00:00:31]They say the ABC has faced sustained criticism over public concern over aspects of its Middle East coverage, its complaints handling processes, and broader editorial approach, including evidence and submissions now before the Royal Commission alleging that its coverage has contributed to social division and diminished confidence among sections of the Jewish community.

[00:00:54]They say that this proposed hearing block should examine governance settings, complaints processes, funding decisions, editorial standards, cultural leadership, and whether publicly funded institutions have appropriate safeguards to identify and address anti-Semitism.

[00:01:12]And as I mentioned, Sarah Henderson will join me on the show a bit later.

[00:01:16]But as you know, this comes after the ABC and SBS refused to adopt the IRA definition of anti-Semitism used by some 47 countries around the world, including Australia.

[00:01:27]Now, I think the Royal Commission should seriously consider this formal request from the coalition, which would no doubt be supported by many Jewish groups.

[00:01:39]Because the normalization of offensive rhetoric in cultural bodies has been a disgrace.

[00:01:46]And there's no more perfect example of that than a writer who said Zionists do not deserve cultural safety.

[00:01:53]She's just been nominated for the nation's top book prize.

[00:01:58]She also posted and only 5 months later removed an image of a Palestinian paratrooper as her Facebook profile just 1 day after the Hamas slaughter of 1,200 Israelis on October 7.

[00:02:14]And now, Randa Adbel-Fattah is on the long list for the Miles Franklin Literary Award.

[00:02:21]This is the ultimate example of the literary elite ignoring deep offense caused to Jews.

[00:02:31]And meanwhile, Jews who support Israel are excluded from literary and journalism awards and writers' festivals.

[00:02:41]The Royal Commission should absolutely hold a block of hearings into the plethora of issues just like this.