Labor won’t scrap ABC and SBS ombudsmen in favour of external body as suggested by antisemitism envoy

The Albanese government has rejected the recommendation by Jillian Segal, the antisemitism envoy, to replace the ABC and SBS ombudsmen with an external oversight body. Segal suggested this transfer of powers in her updated report released two weeks ago. However, government sources reveal that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) already functions as an external independent regulator, capable of investigating complaints beyond the scope of the ABC and SBS ombudsmen.

The federal communications minister, Anika Wells, thanked Segal for her efforts and emphasized that antisemitism has no place in Australia, describing it as an "evil tearing at the fabric of our country." The government plans to receive the final report from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, chaired by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, expected in mid-December.

The commission aims to combat antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion. Segal's proposal faced mixed reactions; some welcomed it for ensuring external accountability, while others criticized it as threatening freedom of speech and democratic rights. Notably, the ABC maintains that its complaints process is "the most robust and transparent in the Australian media," and both broadcasters claim they are subject to external review by ACMA.

The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network criticized the envoy's plan for conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.