The Albanese government must have the moral courage to back the Coalition’s judicial inquiry into campus antisemitism, according to Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson.
Tomorrow in Canberra, university vice-chancellors and key Jewish groups will appear at a senate inquiry into Senator Henderson’s private senator’s bill to establish a judicial inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities.
Senator Henderson’s bill reflects the member for Berowra, Julian Leeser’s, private member’s bill which Labor has stalled in the House of Representatives.
“Everyone has a right to be safe on a university campus. After suffering so much distress and trauma, this senate hearing is a crucial opportunity for Jewish students and staff to tell their story,” Senator Henderson said.
“Antisemitism Envoy, Jillian Segal, has strongly backed a judicial inquiry, describing systemic, embedded campus antisemitism as a crisis.”
“It is imperative the Albanese government adopts a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism including at universities.”
“We have seen a failure of leadership from Education Minister Jason Clare and some university vice-chancellors who allowed hate and incitement to run rampant over many months.”
“In particular, University of Sydney vice-chancellor, Mark Scott, must explain why members of extremist group, Hizb-ut Tahrir, were allowed to remain on campus and menace Jewish students with vile protests and terrorist slogans.”
“I will also be seeking a full explanation from ANU vice-chancellor, Genevieve Bell, over reversing the expulsion of a student who declared unconditional support for terrorist group Hamas.
“I am disgusted this student is now back on campus and running to be ANU student president which poses a direct threat to Jewish students. This is a shocking reflection on the university’s commitment to student safety.”