The first week of hearings at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion opened with Jewish Australians describing what life now feels like.

Jewish community groups say reported antisemitic incidents in Australia have surged since October 7.

But the commission is not only hearing about what’s happened. It’s also being asked to answer a difficult question: what counts as antisemitism – and where is the line between political speech, criticism of Israel, and hatred directed at Jews?

Today, historian of modern Jewish life and culture David Slucki, who leads Monash University’s research into antisemitism, on how antisemitism should be understood, measured and responded to.

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Guest: Director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, David Slucki

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Last year – after months of pressure over youth crime, and claims the system had become too soft – Victoria passed what it proudly called the toughest bail laws in the country.

At the time, legal and human rights experts warned the laws would put more children in custody and disproportionately affect First Nations people.

Now, the Allan government is doubling down. In this week’s state budget, it said bail refusals were at record highs – and promised more money for corrections, faster youth crime hearings and a rewrite of sentencing laws.

But the deeper question hasn’t changed: should bail be a right or a tool for crime prevention?

Today, we’re returning to Daniel James’ conversation with legal academic Professor Marilyn McMahon on how media pressure and politics are reshaping bail – and what that means for justice.

This episode was originally published in March, 2025.

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Guest: Professor in Deakin Law School, Dr Marilyn McMahon

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The seat of Farrer in NSW has been empty since the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

Today, a new member will be elected, and while the race is tight – One Nation’s David Farley is ahead in the polls.

He’ll be picking up Coalition preferences, but faces a strong challenge from independent Michelle Milthorpe.

So will One Nation win its first federal lower house seat? And if so, what will that signal for the future of conservative politics?

Today, ABC Election analyst Casey Briggs on the fight for Farrer.

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Guest: ABC Election Analyst, Casey Briggs

Photo: AAP Image/Simon Dallinger

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