Julian Leeser calls for university course audits on Israel-Palestine

Appearing before a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, Leeser stated that universities should ensure that courses present both Israeli and Palestinian perspectives in a balanced manner, enabling students to form their own informed opinions. He also recommended that universities adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a move recently mandated by the federal government, though the Group of Eight has previously advised against its workability in an Australian context due to potential limitations on academic freedom.

Leeser identified three main vectors of contemporary antisemitism: the far-right, radical Islamists, and the academic and cultural left. Tahli Blicblau, CEO of The Dor Foundation, echoed concerns about Islamic extremism and the far-right, while also pointing to fringe elements of the far-left and conspiracy movements. Blicblau noted that while the pro-Palestine movement might share ideological drivers with the far-left, the majority of its protesters are not motivated by violence towards Jewish people.

Leeser shared a personal account of fear following the Bondi terror attack on December 14, 2025, describing how his seven-year-old son questioned their safety. He emphasized the need for a secure environment for children, questioning the kind of Australia that would make a child feel unsafe attending a place of worship.