Government rejects judicial inquiry into hate on campus
‘This is extremely disappointing and demonstrates the government’s weak leadership in combating the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents on university campuses’
Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson has slammed the Albanese Government’s “weak leadership” after it rejected a Private Member’s Bill by Member for Berowra Julian Leeser for a judicial inquiry into antisemitism at universities.
Assistant Minister for Education, Anthony Chisholm, confirmed during Senate estimates on Thursday that the government will not back the judicial inquiry. It came after Leeser’s attempt to suspend standing orders for a debate in the House of Representatives on the Bill was rejected.
“This is extremely disappointing and demonstrates the government’s weak leadership in combating the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents on university campuses,” Henderson said.
“The government’s racism study, to be conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission, is woefully inadequate.
“The Commission’s failures include not taking action against an employee for grossly offensive anti-Jewish statements. It is unfit to conduct this work.”
Henderson also took aim at Education Minister Jason Clare who she said “on too many occasions” had “failed to speak out and take action over serious failings by universities including on terrorist slogans and encampments which are fuelling so much hate and incitement towards Jewish students”.
Leeser said on Thursday afternoon, “Yesterday the Prime Minister made a big deal about bipartisanship on antisemitism. But today Labor failed to support a debate on my Bill.
“We can’t wait any longer. Australia needs to deal seriously with the rising antisemitism on our campuses.”
Independent Member for Wentworth Allegra Spender backed Leeser’s call for a judicial inquiry.
“The issue of antisemitism on campus must be addressed with impartiality and integrity,” she said.
“The politicisation of this issue by Parliamentarians of all stripes is abhorrent and has worsened its severity. A judicial inquiry would be the first step in depoliticisation and working towards solutions.”
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