A “toxic” atmosphere has allowed anti-Semitism to grow and escalate at Australian universities, prompting a parliamentary inquiry to recommend that practices at higher education institutions be reviewed.
Josh Burns, the chair of the parliamentary committee that investigated anti-Semitism on campuses, released the report on Wednesday. The inquiry’s report, which includes 10 recommendations, was made public early to give universities time to review them before the beginning of the first semester in 2025.
The report found that universities had varied responses to anti-Semitism, with the rise in prejudice being worsened by some institutions’ reluctance to enforce meaningful consequences or demonstrate proactive leadership. This failure has contributed to a “toxic” environment, eroding trust between the Jewish community and universities.
The inquiry revealed that universities lacked effective policies and called for simplifying their complaint procedures to encourage greater student reporting. It also recommended that universities publish de-identified complaint reports for improved transparency.
Efforts to combat anti-Semitism should be guided by the experiences of Jewish students and staff, according to the report. It also urged universities to adopt a clear, precise definition of anti-Semitism in line with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition.
The committee further recommended that the government and the National Student Ombudsman assess the implementation of the recommendations and university practices within 12 months.
Mr. Burns, who is Jewish, emphasized the urgency for universities to take action. While progress has been made, he stated, significant reforms are still needed to ensure the safety of Jewish students and staff on campuses.
Members of the opposition party expressed concern over the “alarming and abhorrent” rise in anti-Semitic incidents at universities and criticized the government for its delayed response. They argued that only a full-time judicial inquiry could adequately address the issue.
The Albanese government has faced heavy criticism for its handling of rising anti-Semitic incidents in Australia. In addition to the controversy surrounding the Australian National University’s reinstatement of a student who supported Hamas, there have been firebomb attacks on a synagogue and childcare center, as well as an increase in anti-Semitic graffiti on buildings and cars since December.