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Australian Health Regulator Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
Ahpra will use the definition in its regulatory work after a joint announcement with the federal antisemitism envoy. The move drew support from Jewish groups and criticism from a Palestinian advocacy network.
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The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism for its regulatory work, the agency announced Wednesday in a joint statement with federal special envoy Jillian Segal.
The definition states that antisemitism is “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews” and is accompanied by illustrative examples. The federal government and the antisemitism royal commission have both endorsed the definition.
The royal commission was launched after the Bondi terror attack in December 2025, in which 15 people were killed at a Hanukkah event. ” “Ahpra is committed to working with the Special Envoy and partners to eliminate antisemitism from the health system, because everyone should feel safe when accessing care,” Untersteiner said.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network said Thursday that the decision risked healthcare workers facing suspensions or bans due to “egregious and vexatious complaints” that could silence political expression about Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
The network said healthcare workers have reported “fear of professional consequences for speaking publicly about Gaza and Palestine” since October 2023. It added that Palestinian healthcare workers have witnessed the destruction of Gaza’s health system, the killing of thousands of healthcare workers and patients, and growing hostility toward those advocating for Palestinian human rights in Australia.
Ahpra is responsible for investigating complaints made about registered health professionals.
Ahpra is establishing an advisory panel of practitioners to improve the notifications process and “strengthen safeguards,” the statement said. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the adoption. Segal commended the move and, in her 2025 report, argued that all levels of government, public institutions and regulatory bodies should adopt the definition.
