The Albanese Labor Government’s failure of leadership on university governance has been laid bare in a Senate inquiry today, exposing its inaction on antisemitism in universities.
Despite a university antisemitism crisis dragging on for more than a year, and its submission to the Senate committee highlighting the need for additional regulatory powers, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) admitted today it has not even requested these powers from the Minister for Education.
Disturbingly, the Minister has also failed to ask the regulator about any additional powers it might need.
Senator Henderson: “I just want to get a clear answer to my question. So the issues you’ve raised seeking additional powers in your submission to this committee, have you requested those additional powers of the minister?”
Mary Russell: “So Senator, as I answered to you in estimates, we have not, at this stage, written to the minister in relation to those.”
Senate inquiry into the quality of governance at Australian higher education providers, 12 March 2025
Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson said it was a stunning admission which confirms the Minister’s complete lack of leadership in addressing antisemitism on university campuses.
“The Albanese Government’s inaction has left Jewish students vulnerable and exposed a glaring failure in governance,” Senator Henderson said.
“Australians deserve a government which takes university governance seriously, not one that fails to protect students.
“It is time for Labor and our universities to take their heads out of the sand and stamp out campus antisemitism in all of its ugly forms.”
A Liberal and Nationals Government will take strong and decisive action to ensure antisemitism is eradicated from university campuses. If elected, we will:
- establish a judicial inquiry into antisemitism on university campuses to hold institutions accountable and ensure transparency in addressing this issue;
- implement an antisemitism code for universities, ensuring that all institutions adopt clear policies that protect Jewish students and staff from discrimination and harassment;
- enshrine the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in university policies and governance frameworks; and
- amend the Fair Work Act, if necessary, to prevent any institutional barriers that allow antisemitic behaviour to persist within university workplaces.
A Dutton Government will also refer vice chancellors’ salaries to the independent remuneration tribunal, ensuring public accountability for executive pay in the university sector.