Australian Human Rights Commission Respect at Uni Interim Report December 2024 The Committee found that further action is needed to address antisemitism at universities and that a commission of inquiry would not be able to respond in an agile and timely manner. The Committee made three recommendations, including that Australian universities work with TEQSA and the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism to review and update complaints processes, that the Government refer an inquiry on the issue to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (PJCHR) and that the Bill does not pass the Senate. Coalition and Greens Senators made six dissenting recommendations. (a) Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights On 29 October 2024, the Attorney-General referred the issue of antisemitism at Australian universities to the PJCHR for inquiry and report. The PJCHR inquiry has been asked to examine: • the prevalence, nature and experiences of antisemitic activity at universities • university frameworks for the prevention of, and responses to, antisemitism at universities, including rules, policies and other measures introduced to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and academics • the effectiveness and adequacy of these frameworks • the support provided to students, staff and academics experiencing antisemitism at universities • what policy or regulatory changes are required to better address and prevent antisemitism at universities • any other relevant matters. The PJCHR has been asked to report to both Houses of the Parliament by 31 March 2025. Public hearings to date have been held on 29 November and 12 December. 2.2 Government Initiatives The Australian Government has led initiatives related to safety and well-being on campus, social cohesion and measures to address vilification, discrimination and related matters. 19