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Racism

This Month

Carr once praised Israel as a democratic beacon and vehemently opposed Maoism.

Bob Carr’s genocide claims are dangerous for social cohesion

Violent threats to Jewish Australians and the vandalism of property show that such language has real consequences.

Ed Husic, the former industry minister, at the AFR AI summit in June 2025

Husic urges digital crackdown on hate speech

The former industry minister says artificial intelligence is a “bad bet” to solve Islamophobia and antisemitism.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Greta Thunberg now leads anti-Israel protests wearing a keffiyeh and shouting “crush Zionism”.

Hate has no place? If only that were true

The best way to start to overcome antisemitism is to encourage young people to have a bit more empathy and lot less hatred for those they disagree with.

Flowers at the synagogue’s charred doorstep.

Australia is experiencing a wave of antisemitism like never before

The Jewish community deserves the full protection of the law, and a proper response from state and federal governments to eliminate such attacks.

June

Andy Smidt was one of 22 students and staff from Sydney University who requested SafeWork NSW examine antisemitism at Sydney University.

Antisemitism probe finds ‘workplace of fear’ at Sydney Uni

A preliminary SafeWork inquiry found inadequate actions were taken to protect Jewish staff and students, but its recommendation for a full inquiry was rejected.

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May

A pro-Palestinian protest at the Monash University encampment.

Universities accused of foot-dragging on antisemitism definition

In February, universities heralded unanimous support for a definition of antisemitism as a major breakthrough. But some have hit hurdles and disagreements.

Macquarie Group CEO Shemara Wikramanayake says the group will work with regulators.

Trump backlash forces Macquarie to soften its DEI talk

The bank says cultural and racial inclusion are still important, but its latest annual report is much more subdued than last year’s.

April

Lee Elder hits a drive during the practice round at the US Masters in 1975.

What happened when the first black golfer played the US Masters

Fifty years ago this week, Lee Elder broke the colour barrier at the Augusta National Golf Club. He had risked his life to do it.

March

Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, last October.

‘Heartbroken’ Prince Harry in racism row as he quits own charity

A charity founded by the Duke of Essex to support children affected by HIV in the tiny kingdom of Lesotho and nearby Botswana has been rocked by a governance tussle.

Chief Rabbi Benjamin Elton: the silence about deep-seated prejudice towards the Jews is a meeting of medieval and modern attitudes.

Anti-Jewish attitudes are ‘baked into the Western inheritance’

Many of us are advocates for much of what the West has brought to the world, but the portion of its foundations that are anti-Jewish and antisemitic have to be removed and replaced, warns Rabbi Benjamin Elton.

Antisemitism is a distinct and more complex problem than Islamophobia.

Numbers show antisemitism in Australia can’t compare to Islamophobia

It’s possible to see the relative intensity of the two problems – for Jews it’s worse by about sixty to one.

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‘Trailblazer’ Nicky Winmar may co-lead AFL racism case

AFL great Nicky Winmar, who fought back against a number of alleged acts of racism throughout his career, could co-lead a landmark racism class action against the league.

February

Senator Katy Gallagher said the Coalition supported the largest public and private sector companies in Australia being required to set equality targets under proposals before the Senate.

As Trump tries to kill DEI, Labor moves to lock it in

Proposed changes before the Senate would force Australian employers to set and meet more gender equality targets, just as their US counterparts abandon them.

Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and University of Western Sydney Chancellor Jennifer Westacott are joining forces to fight antisemitism.

Australian Jewish leaders to raise millions to fight antisemitism

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg will chair a fundraising group that aims to help stamp out hate speech.

Sam Kerr celebrates scoring for Chelsea.

Justified or double standard? Sam Kerr loses the culture war

A jury unanimously decided Kerr was not guilty of a racial offence. But the court of public opinion remains divided: is it racist to use “white” as an insult?

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Sam Kerr arriving at Kingston Crown Court, earlier in the trial.

Sam Kerr found not guilty of racist slur

The jury was unanimous, but the judge said the soccer star’s behaviour “contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation”.

Ita Buttrose leaves the Federal Court building in Sydney.

‘Activist’ Lattouf should not have been hired, says Buttrose

The former ABC chairwoman denies causing Antoinette Lattouf to be dismissed, despite forwarding complaints and suggesting an “easy exit” through feigned illness

Matildas captain and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr leaves Kingston Crown Court on Monday.

Jury mulls Sam Kerr’s fate as her lawyer calls police ‘indefensible’

The defence argued to jurors that the Matildas captain’s “f---ing stupid and white” comment was a poor attempt to express a justified frustration.

University of Sydney vice chancellor Professor Mark Scott speaking at a parliamentary hearing into antisemitism.

Sydney Uni’s Scott says he failed to ‘listen, be curious’

Reflecting on the pro-Palestine camps and an antisemitism row on campus sparked by the Israel-Gaza conflict, Mark Scott admits the university fell short in its response.

Sam Kerr outside Kingston Crown Court on January 14, 2025.

Are Sam Kerr’s days as Matildas captain numbered?

There’s no denying some advertisers regard female sport as ‘brand safe’. Is it with Kerr leading a national team? Perhaps not.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/racism-612