Australian universities are set to face stringent new requirements to combat racism on their campuses, with a legally enforceable standard mandating the adoption of definitions for antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The new measures, which will come into effect from 1 January 2027, are designed to eradicate discrimination within higher education institutions and create safer, more inclusive environments for students and staff.
The anti-racism standard forms a key part of the federal government's antisemitism plan, introduced following the Bondi massacre, and aligns with recommendations from the Human Rights Commission's significant 'Respect at Uni' report. That report highlighted widespread 'systemic' racism across Australian campuses, detailing concerning incidents where students were subjected to derogatory remarks and threats, including Palestinian students being taunted with shouts of 'terrorism' and First Nations students being compared to 'petrol sniffers'. Jewish students also reported feeling fearful about attending classes.
Under the new standard, universities will not only be required to adopt specific definitions for different forms of racism but also to establish clear and transparent complaints processes. Furthermore, they must issue comprehensive guidance to both students and staff on how to identify and address discriminatory behaviour. Significantly, institutions will have the flexibility to use their own definitions for antisemitism, meaning they will not be compelled to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which has faced criticism over concerns it could stifle legitimate criticism of the state of Israel.
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) will be responsible for enforcing compliance with these new standards. TEQSA possesses considerable powers, including the ability to cancel a university's registration, impose conditions on its operating licence, and seek fines through the courts. The federal education minister, Jason Clare, has indicated that the government plans to introduce further legislation in the coming months to bolster TEQSA's regulatory capabilities, acknowledging that the agency currently operates with what he described as a 'sledgehammer and a feather, but not much in between'.
In addition to the anti-racism standard, a separate set of governance principles will also become enforceable for public universities from 1 January 2027, and for private universities from 1 July 2027. These principles will oblige public universities to publish the salaries of vice-chancellors, details of spending on consultants, and the outcomes of board meetings, aiming to increase transparency and accountability within the sector. The introduction of these wide-ranging reforms comes as a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion is currently hearing evidence from university leaders, academics, and students, with Minister Clare anticipating 'pretty horrific evidence' detailing abuse and harassment experienced by Jewish students.