UPDATE: The Albanese government has just announced the formation of an urgent new taskforce aimed at combatting anti-Semitism on Australian university campuses. Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized that universities “need to do better” in addressing this pressing issue, which has escalated following a recent terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that esteemed education figure David Gonski will lead this 12-month taskforce, dedicated to ensuring the Australian education system actively prevents and responds to anti-Semitic incidents. “Every Jewish Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and what they believe,” Albanese stated during the announcement.
The taskforce is set to convene for its first meeting tomorrow, October 27, 2023, and includes prominent figures such as Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal, along with representatives from various states and education regulators. Segal previously criticized universities for being “in denial” about the anti-Semitic treatment of Jewish students, particularly at the Australian National University (ANU).
A parliamentary inquiry highlighted disturbing reports of anti-Semitic messaging that has circulated within universities, including “global domination/power tropes.” Jewish students have rallied for change, citing an alarming surge in anti-Semitic incidents attributed to hostile verbal abuse and targeted slogans.
Clare acknowledged that Jewish students “have been made to feel unwelcome on campus,” stressing the urgent need for universities to confront this issue head-on. The government plans to implement a university report card in the upcoming year, evaluating how effectively institutions are combating anti-Semitism, led by Segal.
In a significant move, the Albanese government is also advancing legislation to empower the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Authority to enforce compliance among universities regarding anti-Semitism prevention measures.
However, advocates like Liat Granot, Advocacy and PR Manager for the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, expressed skepticism, stating that Jewish students have long faced systemic anti-Semitism, often met with indifference from university administrations. “The Education Minister’s acknowledgment matters, but it must not be another in a long line of platitudes,” Granot warned.
The Interim Vice-Chancellor of ANU, Rebekah Brown, defended the university’s efforts, citing regular consultations with Jewish student representatives and initiatives aimed at strengthening anti-racism messaging. “ANU has strengthened its response to racism through the expansion of anti-racism messaging across campus,” Brown stated.
Yet, Jewish students remain vigilant, advocating for enforceable standards and accountability from educational institutions. Co-president of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, Holly Feldman, emphasized the need for real change, stating, “We are ready to work with government to ensure Jewish students can participate fully in campus life without fear, exclusion, or intimidation.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Bill Shorten, remarked on the need for the higher education sector to confront its shortcomings. He noted that Jewish Australians have felt unsafe since the events of October 7, 2023, underscoring the urgency of the government’s response in light of recent atrocities.
As the taskforce gears up for its first meeting, the focus remains on creating a safer, more inclusive environment for Jewish students across Australia. The developments signal a crucial step forward in addressing campus hate, but advocates stress that true change requires ongoing commitment and accountability from all educational institutions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and follow the efforts of the new taskforce in the fight against anti-Semitism in Australian universities.
