A scathing review into the University of Sydney’s botched handling of the anti-Jewish encampment and protests which fuelled so much antisemitic hate and incitement has highlighted both institutional failures and the Albanese Government’s weak response to campus antisemitism.
Commissioned by the University senate, the report by barrister Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC examined policies and procedures following the ugly and divisive protests and encampment earlier this year.
Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, said the findings reaffirmed the university’s profound failure to protect Jewish students and staff since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas.
“From day one, the Coalition joined with Jewish organisations to demand that all forms of campus antisemitism be shut down but at the University of Sydney this fell on deaf ears,” Senator Henderson said.
“The Coalition’s call for a judicial inquiry into campus antisemitism, backed by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, exposed many serious failings at the university and sparked a public apology from its vice-chancellor Mark Scott.
“This report not only confirms the university’s shocking mishandling of campus antisemitism but underscores education minister Jason Clare’s inaction in holding universities to account. Such was Mr Clare’s weakness of leadership that he refused to condemn the encampments or the protest where children were encouraged to chant anti-Jewish terrorist slogans.”
Senator Henderson said the university’s complaints system is outdated and out-of-step with community expectations, leaving students, particularly those of Jewish faith, vulnerable.
“A lack of transparency and accountability has allowed serious complaints to be swept under the carpet,” Senator Henderson said.
“It is difficult to understand why the university didn’t act immediately to prohibit encampments and protests in buildings and at lectures.
“The University of Sydney has lost the trust and confidence of the Jewish community which is why its vice-chancellor must resign.
“While the Coalition welcomes strengthened policies at the university, we will continue to push for the strongest measures to shut down campus antisemitism and ensure universities are a safe place for everyone.”