‘Dereliction of duty’: Libs introduce bill for anti-Semitism inquiry

The Coalition has accused University of Sydney vice chancellor Mark Scott of a “dereliction of duty” after a radical Islamist group infiltrated the pro-Palestinian encampment.

Pro Palestine campers at Sydney University have began to leave the campus although many protesters have remained to stay. Picture: Thomas Lisson

University of Sydney vice chancellor Mark Scott has been accused of a “dereliction of duty” by the Federal opposition after it was revealed by The Daily Telegraph he was made aware as early as May that radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir had infiltrated the pro-Palestinian encampment.

Opposition Education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson called on the Albanese government to urgently investigate Mr Scott’s handling of the pro-Palestinian encampment and when he was alerted to the presence of Hizb ut-Tahrir.

“It is understood for many weeks Mr Scott took no action to shut down the encampment or prevent extremists from entering and marching on university grounds despite being on notice about these serious threats to student safety,” she said.

“Mr Scott’s decision to turn a blind eye to the activities of radical extremists on campus is a serious dereliction of duty.”

Opposition Education spokeswoman. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

She called on Education Minister Jason Clare to establish an urgent government inquiry into the matter, including when the vice chancellor first learnt of the presence of Hizb ut-Tahrir, what advice he sought and what actions he took in response.

“The Albanese government must uncover what has occurred, make its findings public and put in place measures to ensure this dereliction of duty can never happen again,” Ms Henderson said.

This comes as the Coalition will today introduce a bill in the Senate to establish a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at Australian universities to mirror a similar bill introduced into the House of Representatives by Liberal MP Julian Leeser.

The Coalition's calls come after it was revealed an email from University of Sydney chief of staff Darren Goodsir to Jewish leaders confirmed he had been informed Hizb ut-Tahrir had been active on campus as early as May 6.

Sydney University Vice Chancellor Mark Scott on the grounds of Sydney University. Picture John Grainger

A University of Sydney spokeswoman said the University could not act sooner as Hizb ut-Tahrir was “not deemed a terrorist organisation by authorities” and can “legally appear at rallies and events across NSW”.

“The University is not itself in a position to identify organisations that may be extremist, radicalised or potentially violent,” the spokeswoman said.

“This identification is made by governments and police, and we are directed by them.

“We require clear grounds and evidence before we act to revoke someone’s access to our lands.”