University Chancellors Council and Universities Australia | Statement on Antisemitism and University Responsibility

23 December 2025

University Chancellors Council and Universities Australia | Statement on Antisemitism and University Responsibility

The University Chancellors Council (UCC) and Universities Australia (UA) are deeply saddened by the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack which occurred at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. What should have been a celebration of light and unity turned into a day of darkness, which will forever remain in Australia’s collective memory. Our thoughts are with the families of those who were murdered, the injured, and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy, including staff and students of our universities who were directly or indirectly affected.

We condemn antisemitism in all its forms – unequivocally and without qualification.

Universities are an essential pillar of Australian society and play a significant role in shaping culture, thinking, and values, particularly those of young Australians. Therefore, we remain resolute in our work to ensure that all forms of racism and intolerance, including antisemitism, have no home within our education system and broader university communities.  

Universities have been working individually and collectively to combat antisemitism and all forms of racism. University researchers and experts are also already playing an important role in contributing in tackling antisemitism in broader society and we will support them to continue to do so.

Universities exist to advance knowledge, foster critical inquiry, and model the values of a democratic society. Antisemitism, whether expressed through language, symbols, conduct, intimidation, or the misuse of protest, is incompatible with these purposes. It is not protected by academic freedom, free speech, or context. It must be addressed decisively.

The terrible events in Bondi make it clear that across the nation more need to be done to stop the rise of antisemitism. As a sector we will redouble our efforts.

The UCC and UA welcomes the establishment of the Antisemitism Education Taskforce and support the work led by Mr David Gonski AC and Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Ms Jillian Segal AO. UA is a member of this taskforce and is engaging in a constructive and proactive way with its agenda. We also acknowledge and support the other work underway – both in the sector and in individual universities – including the Oversight and Implementation Committee on Antisemitism established by the Group of Eight, and chaired by Dr Alan Finkel AC.

We are making a public commitment to work closely with representative bodies of the Australian Jewish community to identify tangible actions which will enhance the safety and security of Jewish students and staff across our universities. We have been engaged with the Special Envoy since that office was established and also with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Authority, which has already led to important changes in policy and practice in many universities.

We recognise that Australian universities operate in distinct communities throughout the country and the best responses are those meet communities where they are. Accordingly, our commitment is to ensure that we have clear expectations, shared standards, and demonstrable action across the sector while recognising that different contexts will give rise to differences in implementation.

The UCC and UA agrees the following principles:

1. We will protect the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and university communities

2. We will reinforce the importance of a culture where antisemitism is unacceptable

3. Complaints processes must be trusted, empathetic, transparent, and effective

4. Jewish voices must be supported and heard within the university system

5. Universities will be actively involved in education and capability building in understanding and responding to antisemitism

6. Universities will protect academic freedom and freedom of speech but work to be clear about their limits in the context of antisemitism.

We recommend the useful analysis of these issues by the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism which provides a thoughtful and informed perspective on how to implement an antisemitism agenda in the university context. (Antisemitism-at-Australian-Universities-MIRRA-Report.pdf)

We recommend the following actions to our members, recognising that many universities have already taken significant steps in this direction:

1. Developing university-specific action plans to keep Jewish staff and students safe

2. Taking decisive action against all forms of antisemitism – where allegations of antisemitism are upheld, institutions must be prepared to take appropriate and firm disciplinary action

3. Enhancing our complaints handling processes and ensuring those who deal with complaints about antisemitism are appropriately educated

4. Continuing the long-term work of training and raising awareness about antisemitism

5. Providing support to our Jewish students and staff, and Jewish student and staff representative bodies through genuine engagement, consistent dialogue, and partnership on the work to come.

Universities cannot do this work alone, and it is not enough to act on the symptoms. Governments have a critical role to play in setting legal and community standards.

The UCC and UA also commend organisations which emphasise education, social cohesion, and genuine collaboration to confront antisemitism and support our communities.

We recognise that much work has already been undertaken and changes made in many universities. There is more work to do as we continue to identify and implement these the measures necessary to combat antisemitism and Chancellors and Vice Chancellors will work together on these measures. It is our intention to release further information on these actions and an implementation timeline as details emerge both from our own work and the work undertaken by government.

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