A torrent of antisemitic and misogynistic abuse has been directed at Victorian Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell because of her relationship with Labor MP Josh Burns, a Jewish man, as a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion was told. The hate speech, which included violent and sexualised comments, highlights the growing concern about online harassment in the UK.
The commission heard how Ms Purcell received numerous messages, some of which were specifically targeted at her as a woman, including ones saying "You root a Zionist. You can't be trusted." Mr Burns informed the commission that his office and he frequently receive abusive communications, but the attacks on Ms Purcell were notably amplified by misogynistic elements.
The severity of the abuse escalated following the birth of their daughter, with Ms Purcell receiving messages such as: "Shut the f*** up. You got knocked up by a Zionist, you Nazi c***." Mr Burns highlighted the emotional toll these attacks take, stating that "probably one of the hardest things" was seeing someone you love endure such abuse.
Concerns were also raised regarding the treatment of other witnesses giving evidence to the commission. Tahli Blicblau, CEO of the Dor Foundation, an organisation established to combat antisemitism and hate, testified that individuals who came forward to share their experiences of antisemitism were subsequently subjected to further online abuse.
Research presented to the commission indicated a significant increase in hateful content targeting Jewish people on X (formerly Twitter) following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel. Dr Matteo Vergani from Deakin University's Tackling Hate Lab observed that while there was a small spike in anti-Jewish hate after the Bondi attack, there was a "huge spike" in anti-Muslim hate.
Mr Burns stressed the need for improved mechanisms within the Online Safety Act and from social media platforms to effectively tackle these attacks. He pointed out that platforms possess sophisticated data capabilities, such as tracking user browsing habits, and should therefore be capable of creating a safer online environment.
The ongoing inquiry aims to explore potential solutions to tackle the surge in online hate and its impact on communities in the UK.