Release type: Joint Media Release

Date:

Antisemitism at Australian universities referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

Ministers:

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
The Hon Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education

The Albanese Government has referred antisemitism at Australian universities to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights for inquiry and report. 

Every Australian deserves to feel safe and supported in our community, no matter who they are or what they believe. 

There is no place for hatred or racism in our universities or anywhere else. 

This inquiry was a recommendation of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The Committee was deeply troubled by the experiences of Jewish students and staff, and the responses to antisemitism by Australian universities. 

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 to report to both Houses of the Parliament by 31 March 2025.

Details of the inquiry, including the letter of referral and the terms of reference, will be available on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights webpage. 

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus:

“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.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

“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.”