Trump and Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire during Washington visit
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced a key spokesperson will be visiting the Middle East to join ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Mr Netanyahu is set to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff before having a private Dinner with US President Donald Trump.
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The Advertiser
an hour 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
an hour 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.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Anthony Albanese urged to scrap funding to unis failing to combat anti-Jew hate
Australian universities, educational programs and staff should have government funding scrapped if they are found to 'facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism,' a landmark report has revealed. Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism Jillian Segal, who handed down the 'Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Anti-Semitism' on Thursday, said anti-Semitism had risen to 'deeply troubling levels' since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Anthony Albanese said the recommendations would be 'carefully' considered and 'implemented quickly'. Among the key reports were a set of recommendations to combat anti-Semitism at institutions, including launching a university report card. Ms Segal will also 'work with government to enable government funding to be withheld, where possible, from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism'. 'Working with government and grant authorities, the envoy will, where possible, establish that all public grants provided to university centres, academics or researchers can be subject to termination where the recipient engages in anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions,' the report said. The report also recommended that public funding agreements for cultural institutions and festivals include clauses for the 'efficient termination of funding where the institution or festival promotes, facilitates or does not deal effectively with hate or anti-Semitism'. Festivals and events that promote anti-Jewish speakers should also have their deductible gift recipient status stripped. Ms Segal said upholding consistent standards and accountability at universities and educational institutions was 'central' to promoting 'Australian values'. 'It shapes not only what young Australians know but how they think and how they treat others,' she said. 'The plan promotes a nationally consistent approach to teaching, about the history, harms and modern forms of anti-Semitism through the lens of democracy, social inclusion, shared civic responsibility in Australian values.' Asked if the recommendations would be put in place within the year, Home Affairs Minister Tony Bourke declined to issue a deadline but said some of the issues 'get taken into account in different ways already' through Creative Australia. The report also called for lesson plans on Holocaust and anti-Semitism education to be integrated into both national and state curriculums and media monitoring to ensure 'accurate, fair and responsible reporting' and digital guardrails, including working with eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant to ensure AI doesn't amplify anti-Semitic content. Ms Segal also called for a review into immigration and citizenship policies to screen potential applicants for extremist and anti-Semitic views. 'Visa applicants should be screened for anti-Semitic views or affiliations. Non-citizens involved in anti-Semitism should face visa cancellation and removal from Australia,' the report said. 'Australia should also collaborate with international partners to share intelligence and fight anti-Semitism across borders.' The report has been welcomed by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion, who said it 'completely' aligns with the 'Jewish community's expectations'. He also thanked Mr Albanese and Mr Bourke for 'standing with the Jewish community'. 'It is evident that much research and thought has gone into this document over many months,' he said. 'Its release could not be more timely, given the recent appalling events in Melbourne. The actions which the plan call for are now urgently needed. 'We call upon all sectors of society, including government, law enforcement, the media, the university sector, education authorities and online platform providers to co-operate with the special envoy and the Jewish community to give this action plan full force and effect.' Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler 'particularly' backed the call to cut funding to unis who fail to act against anti-Semitism. 'Some of our major universities have seen a complete dearth of leadership, notwithstanding extensive consultation with Jewish students, staff, and numerous parliamentary inquiries,' he said. 'The real measure of this report will be its implementation. It is essential that these recommendations are enacted swiftly, and consistently by governments and institutions.' Sussan Ley called on Mr Albanese to act and explicitly clarify which recommendations will be adopted by the government. 'This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement. It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts,' the Opposition Leader said.
