Taskforce steps up national response to antisemitism in education

Universities are facing growing scrutiny over antisemitism as a national taskforce accelerates efforts to address rising incidents across schools and campuses.

The Antisemitism Education Taskforce met in Sydney on April 7, with chair David Gonski and Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal reaffirming a whole-of-system response spanning early learning through to higher education.

The Taskforce was established by the federal government in late 2025 in response to a surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia following the October 7 attacks and their aftermath. It brings together government, regulators and education sectors as part of a coordinated national effort to ensure institutions can prevent and respond to antisemitism.

The meeting comes amid mounting concern about conditions on university campuses and in schools.

Reports from media and Jewish student groups and academics have described cases of harassment, intimidation and students feeling unsafe identifying as Jewish or expressing support for Israel. In some instances, campus protests have featured slogans widely criticised as antisemitic, while concerns have also been raised about the handling of complaints and classroom conduct.

At the University of Sydney, a staff member was recently terminated after verbally abusing Jewish students during a campus incident in October. The university said the employee was dismissed for serious misconduct following an investigation, stating that “hate speech, antisemitism and harassment have no place” on campus.

Concerns have also been raised at Macquarie University, where a recent J-Wire article by Michael Gencher of Standwithus reported Jewish students alleging repeated antisemitic harassment, including verbal abuse and intimidation, alongside criticism of the university’s handling of complaints.

In schools, education bodies and community organisations have pointed to incidents including antisemitic graffiti, verbal abuse and online bullying, alongside concerns that some teachers lack the training to respond effectively.

The Taskforce said addressing these issues requires a coordinated approach across the entire education system, with a focus on values, critical thinking and respect for diversity and on tackling the root causes of antisemitism and hate.

A central initiative is the rollout of a professional learning program developed by UNESCO, now being trialled in New South Wales and Victoria after commencing in March. Discussions are under way to expand the program nationally.

Universities are also being assessed through the Special Envoy’s “report card” project, with institutions asked to detail how they are responding to antisemitism and ensuring student safety. The submissions are being reviewed by Greg Craven, a leading constitutional lawyer and former vice-chancellor of the Australian Catholic University.

The Taskforce confirmed that a targeted review of the Australian curriculum examining antisemitism and national values is under way, while a Social Cohesion Education Hub remains on track for launch by May 31.

At the regulatory level, consultation has closed on proposed amendments to higher education standards through the Higher Education Standards Panel, with further consultation to follow.

Members also agreed to establish a Commonwealth Research Grants Working Group to develop funding guidelines aligned with the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026.

The Taskforce identified key priorities including educator training, student safety, curriculum reform, expansion of existing programs, and potential changes to regulation and funding.

While the Taskforce itself has not proposed funding penalties, the broader policy debate has increasingly focused on accountability measures for institutions that fail to address antisemitism.

Segal has stressed the vital role of education in shaping attitudes. “Education is central… it shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others,” she told JWire in a recent interview.

The Taskforce will meet again on May 5 as it moves to translate policy into practical measures across the education system.