September 11, 2026
The CPSU-SPSF represents more than 80,000 members working to serve the Australian public. This includes both health professionals regulated by Ahpra…
The Community and Public Sector Union (State Public Services Federation) represents more than 80,000 members working to serve the Australian public. This includes both health professionals regulated by Ahpra and the Ahpra employees who administer the National Registration and Accreditation scheme.
The CPSU unequivocally condemns antisemitism and all forms of racism, discrimination, hatred, and bigotry. Everyone has the right to receive healthcare and public services free from discrimination. All workers have the right to workplaces free from racism, religious discrimination, or all other forms of prejudice.
The CPSU is concerned, however, by Ahpra’s application of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The CPSU holds concerns that the IHRA definition may conflate antisemitism with legitimate criticism of the actions and policies of the state of Israel. Applying such a definition risks causing harm and confusion without effectively addressing antisemitism in healthcare.
The application of the IHRA definition may have a chilling effect on political expression and expose practitioners to vexatious, politically motivated, or bad-faith notifications. The consequences will also be felt by Ahpra employees, who will be responsible for receiving, assessing, and investigating complaints arising from the application of the definition. Ahpra staff perform an important public function. They need clear, fair and workable standards that support consistent decision-making and maintain public confidence in the regulatory system.
The use of the IHRA definition also risks undermining confidence in Ahpra’s handling of allegations of antisemitism. If legitimate political expression can be characterised as antisemitic conduct, practitioners and the wider public may lose confidence in the fairness and consistency of the notification process. This does not strengthen the response to antisemitism, but risks weakening the authority and credibility of that response.
The CPSU is calling on the Ahpra Board to:
1. Immediately suspend the use of the IHRA definition;
2. Continue to rely upon existing statutory obligations, professional codes, standards and anti-discrimination laws when assessing allegations of racism, discrimination and antisemitism;
3. Strengthen safeguards against vexatious, politically motivated or bad-faith notifications;
4. Establish a transparent consultation process with stakeholders to identify other suitable processes to achieve the aim sought by Ahpra in implementing use of the IHRA definition;
5. Implement a review of the workload, procedural fairness, and staff-support consequences of the implementation of the IHRA definition.
The CPSU remains committed to eliminating antisemitism and every form of racism and discrimination from Australia’s health system and public services. We are ready to work constructively with Ahpra, the National Boards, our members and affected communities on an approach that is effective, fair and capable of maintaining public trust.
