JOSH BURNS MP 

MEMBER FOR MACNAMARA  

CHAIR OF THE PARLIAMENTARY JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS 

REPORT INTO ANTISEMITISM AT AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES RECOMMENDS URGENT CHANGES FOR 2025 

Over summer the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights found that there is an urgent need for reform to ensure the safety of Jewish students and staff on university campuses.

The Committee has made 10 recommendations, most of which relate to policies that universities can put in place for the beginning of this academic year.

During an extensive inquiry, initiated by the Attorney General in October last year, the committee examined the prevalence, nature, and experiences of antisemitic activity on universities. We looked at the effectiveness and adequacy of university frameworks to prevent and respond to antisemitism and the support provided to Jewish students, staff and academics experiencing antisemitism.

The Committee also considered what policy or regulatory changes are required to better address and prevent antisemitism.

The inquiry received 47 public submissions and held four public hearings during which it heard evidence from numerous universities. The Committee also had close regard to the public evidence provided to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry into the Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No.2). That inquiry received over 600 submissions, many from Jewish students and staff detailing their experiences.

In seeking to ensure that its recommendations are available to universities prior to the commencement of Semester 1 2025, the Committee has determined to issue its inquiry report early.

Key findings and recommendations:

LACK OF TRUST IN THE SECTOR: While universities have differed in their response to antisemitism on campus, the rise in antisemitism across the sector has been exacerbated by the reluctance of some university administrations to enforce meaningful consequences or show proactive leadership. This has allowed a toxic environment to escalate and has resulted in a lack of trust between the Jewish community and university institutions.

INADEQUATE POLICIES: The report recommended universities must simplify their complaints policies to encourage increased student reporting. The Committee further recommends universities publish de-identified complaints reports to improve transparency.

UNDERSTANDING AND DEFINING ANTISEMITISM: Efforts to combat antisemitism must be guided by the lived experience and reality of Jewish students and staff. The report recommends that universities adopt a clear definition of antisemitism that closely aligns with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition.

IMPROVING PROACTIVE ENGAGEMENT: The Committee recommends that university policies and responses must be informed by engagement with Jewish students and staff, and a proactive, public, and transparent management of issues.

PROMOTING EDUCATION: The report recommends that universities deliver ongoing training to students, staff and leadership on recognising and addressing antisemitism.

ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY: The report recommends Government and the National Student Ombudsman review the implementation of the recommendations and university practices to reduce antisemitism within twelve months of tabling the report.

Comment attributable to Josh Burns MP, Committee Chair:

“Jewish students have been excluded from university life and some have even avoided going to campus. The status quo is not good enough and it must change before students return to campus in a few weeks’ time.”

“It should not have taken a national antisemitism crisis and a parliamentary inquiry for universities to take the concerns of Jewish students and staff seriously – concerns they have been sharing for years.”

“We decided to release the report early because Jewish students and staff should go back to campus for 2025 knowing their safety is taken seriously, and that their university is acting with urgency. “

“University responses to antisemitism must be informed by an understanding of the experiences of Jewish students and staff, and that should not be too much to ask.”

To see the full report click here