MPs call for judicial inquiry into university anti-Semitism
A bipartisan group of concerned federal MPs are urging the Albanese to establish an independent judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism on university campuses.
Peter Dutton and a bipartisan group of federal MPs are urging Labor to establish an independent judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism on university campuses, calling out the sector for failing to adequately respond to the threat.
A letter sent to Anthony Albanese on Thursday signed by 13 MPs, including the Opposition Leader, and crossbenchers Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Jacqui Lambie, argued that anti-Semitism on campuses was “unparalleled” and universities had failed to recognise phrases calling for the “violent destruction of Israel”.
The MPs said anti-Semitism on campus was an issue that needed to be addressed as a “matter of urgency”, following weeks of protests at pro-Palestine encampments on campuses, including at the nation’s elite universities.
Jewish leaders have raised the alarm about the encampments where activists have chanted slogans including “from the river to the sea” and “intifada”, which they argue calls for the destruction of Israel. The MPs said universities had failed to protect Jewish students and staff from being subjected to “harassment and intimidation”, arguing that a judicial inquiry would be better placed to examine the challenge of how to respond.
In Tuesday’s federal budget Labor announced it would undertake a $1m inquiry into racism on campuses broadly, including the prevalence and impact of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
“We are seeking a judicial inquiry as the most authoritative form of inquiry,” the letter said.
“An inquiry led by an independent, respected jurist with the power to grant privileges and immunities, to take evidence in confidence, assisted by senior barristers skilled in cross examination, would ensure that this problem – which is a serious matter for the social cohesion of this country and the international reputation of the Australian university sector – is dealt with properly and seriously.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim said he “wholeheartedly endorse the call for a judicial inquiry”
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