December 18, 2025
The Group of Eight (Go8), representing Australia's leading research-intensive universities, has established an Expert Oversight and Implementation Committee on Antisemitism to lead decisive action to eradicate antisemitism on university campuses.
Earlier this week the Go8 Board confirmed that the committee will be Chaired by distinguished Australian, Dr Alan Finkel AC, bringing exceptional leadership and expertise to this critical initiative.
Membership includes eminent Australians:
- Dr Alan Finkel AC - Former Chief Scientist and former Chancellor of Monash University
- Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC - Former Federal Court Judge and Chancellor of Bond University, with extensive experience in law and governance.
- Jeremy Suss - Incoming President of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students
- Major General Paul Symon AO (Ret'd) – Former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Co-Chair of the Group of Eight Defence and Security Committee, Strategic Adviser, University of Melbourne, with unparalleled insight into Australia's national security and intelligence landscape.
- Diane Smith-Gander AO - Chancellor of UWA and experienced corporate and governance leader, with a strong background in public policy and accountability frameworks.
- Peter Varghese AO - Former Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chancellor of the University of Queensland, bringing deep expertise in international relations and higher education leadership.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said: "The Go8 and its member universities unequivocally condemns antisemitism in all its forms. It is abhorrent, unacceptable, and has no place in our universities or in Australian society."
"The horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December was a brutal reminder of the deadly consequences of hate. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our campuses are safe, inclusive, and free from antisemitism."
"Over the past two years Universities have been challenged to do better in recognising, preventing and responding to antisemitism and hate on our campuses. Universities have a responsibility not only to ensure safe and respectful campuses but to actively work to create understanding and shared humanity. We are committed to this task.
"Across our universities we have made substantial changes and improvements, including:
- Working collaboratively with the Special Envoy since her appointment
- Adopting a working definition of antisemitism - in consultation with the Special Envoy - and committing to ongoing review of its effectiveness
- Rolling out antisemitism training packages across Go8 universities and more broadly across the sector
- Training more than 12,000 staff to date.
"But we know there is more to do. We are working through the recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities and the ASECA Report: Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Antisemitism, to ensure our actions align with best practice."
The Expert Oversight and Implementation Committee on Antisemitism has clear terms of reference, a timeline, specific goals, and tangible outcomes.
It will provide expert oversight and guidance on the Go8's ongoing response to both reports, review relevant recommendations, advise on policy and governance strategies, recommend implementation frameworks, and monitor efficacy to ensure transparency and accountability across our universities.
"The calibre of this committee, and its expertise across governance and higher education, is unparalleled. They will be invaluable in supporting and guiding the Go8 as we work to eradicate antisemitism on campuses," said Ms Thomson.
The committee will meet in coming weeks.
