South Australia doubles Holocaust education funding in wake of Bondi terror attack

The South Australian Government has announced a major boost to Holocaust education programmes, more than doubling its funding in response to rising antisemitism following the terror attack at Bondi Beach.

The $500,000 commitment over three years will expand programmes at the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre (AHMSEC), the state’s only public institution dedicated solely to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism.

The increase builds on an initial funding allocation of $242,360 announced last week, which has now been more than doubled following the Bondi attack.

The additional funding will support new educational content for upper primary students and extend programmes to younger age groups. It will also broaden access for regional and disadvantaged communities through both in-person and online delivery.

A senior educator will be appointed to strengthen programme quality, while partnerships with Flinders University and the Children’s Rights Centre of South Australia will be expanded to support research, moral education and positive citizenship.

Some of the funding will ensure schools can visit the museum at no cost, removing financial barriers and allowing more primary school students to take part in excursions.

AHMSEC currently reaches about 3,000 students across 45 schools each year, including regional schools, and provides professional development for more than 200 teachers to extend the reach of Holocaust education.

The Adelaide Holocaust Museum is the state’s only public institution solely dedicated to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. Established in 2018, the centre delivers a curriculum-aligned Holocaust education programme and was founded by Holocaust survivor Andrew Steiner OAM and his wife. The museum plays a key role in promoting empathy, understanding and responsible citizenship among young South Australians.

Mr Steiner, who escaped the Holocaust as a child, described the Bondi attack as a “wake-up call” for the nation.

He said he was shocked and “weeping within” when he heard about the shooting, adding there were warning signs beforehand. “This horrendous tragedy for the whole nation really will be a turning point, a wake-up call, to redouble our efforts against any kind of differentiation, any kind of misbehaviour against any other group,” he said.

The 92-year-old urged stronger action against antisemitism, saying, “Never hate anybody, treat everybody the way you wish to be treated and work towards a fairer, more just and, very importantly, compassionate society, not just tolerant.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the Bondi attack had underscored the urgency of the government’s response.

“The Bondi attack has reminded everyone, not just in Australia but around the world, that antisemitism is a profound evil that must be confronted in every way we can,” he said.

“Notwithstanding the decision to increase funding to this museum last week, the government has decided to double our efforts again. There is no doubt education must play a role in confronting antisemitism.”

Mr Malinauskas said antisemitism had no place in South Australia and described education as one of the most effective tools to address hatred.

“The Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre does vital work educating young people about the Holocaust, antisemitism and the consequences of hate, and this expanded funding will allow that work to reach more students than ever before,” he said.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the Bondi attack highlighted the need for stronger awareness and understanding.

He spoke about trying to explain the targeting of Jewish people to his own primary school-aged children and finding the task difficult.

“It is essential we teach our children and young people about what the Jewish community has endured in the past to better support Jewish people now and into the future,” he said.

Mr Boyer stressed the importance of age-appropriate education, noting that hatred is learned behaviour. He said the funding would ensure Holocaust and antisemitism education reaches more students across the state.

The announcement comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents nationally, intensified by the Bondi Beach terror attack on 14 December 2025, which targeted the Jewish community and resulted in multiple deaths.

Flowers have been placed outside the Adelaide Holocaust Museum in tribute to the victims.

Premier Malinauskas described the attack as “an act of despicable violence completely at odds with our values” and said he had engaged with Jewish leaders to address community safety concerns.

In a related development, the premier said he would consider recalling parliament before the March election if tougher firearm restrictions are required, following an urgent national cabinet meeting where state and territory leaders agreed to strengthen gun laws.

At a national level, the federal government has announced measures to combat antisemitism, including increased funding for education and community support. South Australia’s move aligns with those efforts.

Community leaders and experts have welcomed the funding, emphasising the role of early education in preventing hatred and helping future generations recognise and challenge prejudice.