The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for its regulatory work. The IHRA definition describes antisemitism as a specific perception of Jews that can be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

"Ahpra has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism as a reference tool, supported by the Special Envoy’s handbook to support a consistent understanding of antisemitism in its contemporary forms in our regulatory work," Justin Untersteiner said. "Antisemitism costs lives and has no place in healthcare. 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 warned that the policy change could result in suspensions or bans for healthcare workers due to complaints regarding political expression about Israel's military actions. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported that general practitioners received complaints to the health regulator regarding social media posts opposing Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The executive director stated the agency reviews its vexatious notifications framework due to concerns about the misuse of the notification process. The agency will establish an advisory panel to review its complaints process and implement additional safeguards.

The federal government and the antisemitism royal commission have endorsed the IHRA definition. The antisemitism royal commission was established following a December attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi that killed 15 people. Jillian Segal, federal special envoy to combat antisemitism, stated in a 2025 report that government agencies and regulatory bodies should adopt the definition to establish a uniform approach to tracking antisemitic incidents. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the regulatory agency's decision to adopt the definition.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Service announced they will not adopt the definition cited by the royal commission to maintain editorial independence. Reports of antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and Islamophobic incidents have increased since October 2023. Militant attacks on October 7, 2023 resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network said Palestinian healthcare workers have witnessed the destruction of Gaza’s health system, the killing of thousands of healthcare workers and patients, and growing hostility towards those advocating for Palestinian human rights in Australia.