University antisemitism subject for parliamentary committee
Antisemitism at Australian universities has been referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights for inquiry and report.
Mark Dreyfus
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus said: “All around Australia Jewish students and staff tell me they don’t feel welcome on campus and they don’t think their universities care.
This is an intolerable situation and urgent action is needed to address the tensions on university campuses to protect the safety of students and staff. The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring we deal effectively with this disturbing situation.”
Jason Clare, Minister for Education, added: “There is nothing more important than the safety of students and staff on campus.
This inquiry complements the existing actions the Government is taking to improve safety at our universities and I look forward to its recommendations.”
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry will consider the prevalence, nature and experiences of antisemitism at universities, including frameworks and policies to prevent and respond to it, and support provided to students and staff.
This inquiry is part of the Government’s multifaceted approach to addressing Australia’s complex experiences of racism.
The inquiry will complement other initiatives underway, including:
- The Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘Respect at Uni: Study into Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Racism and the experience of First Nations People’
- the work of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, and
- legislation to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman.
The Committee has been asked report to both Houses of the Parliament by 31 March 2025.
