‘We are seeing bodies recovered all over, up and down': Texas flood death toll rises as Trump declares major disaster
Latest posts
6.56am
By Michael Koziol
Overseas, the death toll from catastrophic floods in central Texas has risen to 70, with many adults and children still missing, as President Donald Trump declared a major disaster over what he called an 'unimaginable tragedy'.
In the worst-affected region, Kerr County, authorities said 59 people were confirmed dead – 38 adults and 21 children – while 11 children and a counsellor from the Camp Mystic summer camp were still missing.
Read the story by our US correspondent, Michael Koziol, here.
6.56am
Victorian Premier launches new anti-hate taskforce, set to visit firebombed synagogue
By Kieran Rooney, Wendy Tuohy and Alexander Darling
A new anti-hate taskforce will be assembled by the Allan government as it scrambles to beef up efforts to address antisemitism in Victoria following a new round of attacks on Friday, last week.
In Melbourne's CBD on Sunday, pro-Palestinian protesters including children chanted 'Death to the IDF' at a demonstration that went ahead less than 48 hours after the antisemitic attacks, which included an attack on East Melbourne Synagogue while children and families were inside.
Premier Jacinta Allan, is expected to visit East Melbourne Synagogue today and will announce that the new anti-hate taskforce will meet this week for the first time.
Read the full story here.
6.56am
This morning's headlines at a glance
By Emily Kowal
Good morning and welcome to today's national news blog. My name is Emily Kowal, and I will be getting our coverage started this morning.
It's Monday, July 7.
Here's what's making news this morning.
After being ignored, sidelined and marginalised, brave women in Australia's armed forces are speaking up about Defence's failures to act on sexual violence against its own people.
In NSW, former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas has been warned to 'prepare for worst' after suffering a serious eye injury caused when police broke up an anti-Israel protest in Sydney last month.
In Victoria, a new anti-hate taskforce will be assembled by the Allan government as it scrambles to beef up efforts to address antisemitism in Victoria following a new round of attacks on Friday.
'unimaginable tragedy'.
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The Advertiser
44 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Universities, arts face cuts under anti-Semitism plan
Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts."
The Advertiser
44 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'Huge focus' on universities as PM unveils plan to tackle anti-Semitism
Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment. Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment. Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment. Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Russia must make reparations for MH17, Australia says
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for Russia to make reparations for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, after the European Court of Human Rights found Moscow responsible for the tragedy. The Strasbourg court on Wednesday found Russia failed to verify the target of a missile that shot down a Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 298 people on board over Ukraine's Donetsk region on July 17, 2014. The ECHR also said that Moscow failed to protect the lives of those on board the Boeing 777, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. All 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians, 96 Dutch nationals and four Germans. Russia denies responsibility for the incident. "We welcome the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17," Wong said on X, calling it a "historic moment for the 298 victims and their loved ones". In May, the council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) also found Russia responsible for the aircraft's downing under international air law, in a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands. "This ruling follows the ICAO Council's decision in May that Russia is responsible and must negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations," Wong said. "We again call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility and make reparations for this horrific act." The impact of the ECHR's decision is limited, as Russia does not recognise the court. Two Russians and a Ukrainian were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a Dutch court in 2022 for murder in 298 cases. Russia continues to deny any responsibility and refuses to extradite the men. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is consequently no longer a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the court oversees. However, the court - which is independent of the European Union - can still rule on incidents that occurred up to six months after expulsion.
