Antisemitism has no place in Australian schools. That's the clear message from the Albanese Government, which has launched a new $6m national online platform designed to help educators tackle the issue head-on.
The Social Cohesion Education Hub brings together more than 50 existing antisemitism and social cohesion resources from across the country into a single, quality-assured location – with around half focused specifically on antisemitism. Available resources include classroom materials and professional learning tools, with more to be added over time.
The Hub forms part of the government's response to Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism's Plan, which was agreed to by Education Ministers earlier this year, and builds on the work of the Antisemitism Education Taskforce, chaired by David Gonski AC.
Minister for Education Jason Clare said the launch marks an important first step in a broader national effort.
"There is no place for the poison of antisemitism anywhere in our society," Clare said. "There is a lot that we as a country need to do to tackle antisemitism and improve social cohesion and what we do in education is an important part of that.”
Clare said bringing together existing resources from across the country into one place is the first step.
“We'll keep adding to the Hub over time to make sure we're giving schools and educators the tools they need.”
Clare also flagged that curriculum reform is now underway, with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority tasked with reviewing the curriculum to strengthen the teaching of Australian values and help combat antisemitism. Advisory groups comprising specialists in antisemitism, Holocaust education, Jewish history and culture, and Australian values education are being established to drive that work.
"What we teach in schools is important here too," Clare said. "That's why Education Ministers have agreed to a focused review of the school curriculum. It will look at opportunities to combat antisemitism and strengthen understanding of Australian values. That work is underway right now."
Gonski, whose taskforce helped produce the Hub as one of its first outputs, said the platform offers something schools have long needed.
"By putting these free online resources in one place, the Social Cohesion Education Hub will support schools and educators to help students at all stages of their education journey, to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination," Gonski said.
"With over 50 resources currently available which will grow and evolve over time I believe this suite of resources offers critically-needed tools to improve students' understanding and ability to effectively respond to antisemitism, all forms of racism and hatred, and help embed safety and a sense of inclusion amongst us all."
Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal said she hopes the Hub will prove especially timely given the current climate.
"The suite of resources available through the Hub will complement efforts to support educators and teachers in combatting antisemitism," Segal said.
"My strong hope is that the Hub together with the UNESCO teacher training program being piloted in Australia will help support schools to respond to the rising levels of antisemitism, as well as intolerance and prejudice more broadly."