Opened the debate
Leeser argued that the bill is necessary to address the surge in antisemitism triggered by the October 7 attacks and subsequent events in Australia. Leeser claimed that public universities have normalised Jew hate and failed to protect Jewish students and staff from harassment and violence. Leeser stated that the legislation requires all universities and the Australian Research Council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Leeser further argued that the bill mandates universities to prevent and respond to antisemitic conduct and prohibits taxpayer-funded researchers from promoting such views. Leeser urged the government to support the bill to send a clear message to universities.