New anti-racism standard will force Australian universities to use definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia

Lead

Australian universities will be required to adopt formal definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under a legally enforceable anti-racism standard being introduced by the federal government. The standard, announced by Education Minister Jason Clare, also mandates transparent complaints processes and annual reporting to the industry regulator, with public universities required to comply from January and private institutions from July.

Coverage comparison

Details of the new standard have been reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian. Both outlets noted that the changes follow the government's antisemitism plan published after the Bondi Beach terror attack and a recommendation from the Respect at Uni report, which found racism was systemic on Australian campuses.

ABC Australia reported that universities will be required to define antisemitism and create transparent processes for complaints of racism, as well as publicly disclose vice-chancellor salaries and spending on consultants. The Guardian added that the standard also covers definitions of Islamophobia and racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that universities will be allowed to use their own definitions, including for antisemitism, rather than being forced to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition.

Both outlets quoted Minister Clare emphasising that there is no place for antisemitism or any form of hate in universities, and that the changes are about ensuring institutions meet community expectations.

Key claims

• Universities will be required to adopt definitions on antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as reported by The Guardian and ABC Australia.
• The standard includes a transparent complaints process and guidance for students and staff.
• Public universities must comply from January, while private institutions have until July.
• The government initially announced the change in December, following the Bondi Beach terror attack, as reported by ABC Australia.
• The Respect at Uni report, commissioned by the government and published by the Australian Human Rights Commission, found racism was systemic on campuses, according to both ABC Australia and The Guardian.
• The Antisemitism Education Taskforce provided detailed feedback on the proposed legislative amendments, according to ABC Australia.
• The taskforce also launched a social cohesion hub for schools and teachers, with lessons on the Holocaust, avoiding hate speech, and unconscious bias, as reported by ABC Australia.
• The Greens criticised the social cohesion hub for creating a hierarchy of racism, according to ABC Australia.

Perspectives

Federal Government: Education Minister Jason Clare stated that the changes are about making sure universities meet standards that the whole community expects, adding that there is no place for antisemitism or any type of hate in universities.

Antisemitism Education Taskforce: The taskforce, chaired by David Gonski, considered the changes a top priority and provided detailed feedback on the proposed amendments. It also launched a social cohesion hub, with Gonski saying the resources will support schools and educators in combating antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.

Australian Greens: The Greens criticised the social cohesion hub for creating a hierarchy of racism, suggesting it prioritises certain forms of discrimination over others.