Robert Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Jewish Association, offered additional insights, particularly regarding the experiences of Jewish students and staff:

“We have spoken to many Jewish students and staff at different Australian universities and all are greatly concerned. Many report having witnessed antisemitism or not feeling safe on campus. The University of Sydney and the Australian National University are amongst the worst. Campus antisemitism is almost entirely from the far-left, with some also coming from Islamic extremists. University administrators have been slow to react and weak in punishing students responsible for antisemitic incidents. The ringleaders behind antisemitic incitement should be expelled. We are disappointed that all Australian universities were not quick to listen to the Jewish community and adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. The Australian Government has ignored the pleas from the Jewish community and the Opposition to hold an independent judicial inquiry into the antisemitism crisis on campus, which would have been a crucial tool in uncovering what is going on and suggesting solutions.”

Mr. Gregory also compared the Australian approach to the actions taken in the United States:

“The Australian Government should carefully monitor what is working in the United States such as the withholding of funds to universities who tolerate racism and the deportation of foreign students who incite violence.”