The federal government has launched a national online education hub bringing together existing teaching resources from across Australia to help schools combat antisemitism, racism and other forms of discrimination.
The Social Cohesion Education Hub initially contains more than 50 classroom resources and professional learning tools, with about half focused specifically on antisemitism.
Education Minister Jason Clare said the platform was intended to give teachers and schools easier access to material already available around the country.
Further resources will be developed and added in stages to fill gaps and respond to emerging needs.
“There is no place for the poison of antisemitism anywhere in our society,” Clare said.
“There is a lot that we as a country need to do to tackle antisemitism and improve social cohesion, and what we do in education is an important part of that.”
The government has committed $6 million over five years to establish and maintain the hub, which was developed by Education Services Australia with the support of federal, state and territory education ministers.
The resources were assessed by an advisory group of education and social cohesion specialists, including representatives from the Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
Clare said bringing the material together in one place was the first step.
“We’ll keep adding to the Hub over time to make sure we’re giving schools and educators the tools they need,” he said.
The hub forms part of the government’s broader response to antisemitism and social cohesion across the education system.
It is part of the response to the national plan prepared by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal and agreed to by education ministers earlier this year.
It is also one of the first measures produced through the Antisemitism Education Taskforce, chaired by David Gonski AC.
Gonski said the free resources would support schools and educators working with students at all stages of their education.
“With over 50 resources currently available, which will grow and evolve over time, I believe this suite of resources offers critically needed tools to improve students’ understanding and ability to effectively respond to antisemitism, all forms of racism and hatred,” he said.
He said the resources would also help schools build safety and a stronger sense of inclusion.
Segal described the launch as an important step and said the hub would support teachers responding to rising antisemitism, intolerance and prejudice.
She said the resources would complement a UNESCO teacher training program being piloted in Australia.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority has also been asked to conduct a focused review of the national curriculum, examining how schools can better combat antisemitism and strengthen the teaching of Australian values.
Specialist advisory groups are being formed to assist with the review, including experts in antisemitism, Holocaust education, Jewish history and culture, and Australian values education.
Clare said the curriculum review was already under way.
“What we teach in schools is important here too,” he said.
“It will look at opportunities to combat antisemitism and strengthen understanding of Australian values.”
The hub is now live at https://www.socialcohesionhub.edu.au/