Witnesses at Royal Commission Endure ‘Ugly Antisemitic Attacks’ After Testimony
Virginia Bell AC SC, the royal commissioner, has disclosed that Jewish witnesses who have provided evidence about their experiences of antisemitism have subsequently been subjected to “ugly antisemitic attacks.”
The fourth block of hearings, held in Melbourne this week, focuses on the lived experiences of antisemitism among Jewish students and academics, as well as university responses to address the issue.
At the opening of the hearing on Monday, Bell emphasized the provisions of the Royal Commissions Act, which criminalizes causing damage or disadvantage to a person because of their evidence.
On Monday, four academics and students are testifying under pseudonyms. Also appearing are Yasmine Johnson, co-convener of Students for Palestine and education officer at the National Union of Students; Hugh de Krester, president of the Australian Human Rights Commission; and Josh Keller of the Australian Academic Alliance Against Antisemitism.
ASX Dips Amid Iran Strait of Hormuz Closure Claims
The Australian share market declined as tensions between the US and Iran escalated. Iran claimed it had closed the Strait of Hormuz following trading strikes with the US, though former President Donald Trump stated the waterway remained open.
This development caused an increase in global oil prices, with Brent crude rising from US$76 per barrel on Saturday morning to US$79 on Monday morning. Market reactions were more subdued compared to Thursday, when strikes resumed and Brent peaked at US$80, still below the US$115 per barrel recorded in May.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 0.14%, dropping below 8,800 points to 8,794.
Shares in Resmed, AGL Energy, and Virgin Airlines experienced significant declines of approximately 4.4%, 3.7%, and 2.8%, respectively.
Conversely, miner BHP and ANZ bank shares rose nearly 0.5%, Commonwealth Bank of Australia increased by about 0.2%, Westpac and NAB remained flat, and Macquarie declined 0.45%. Petrol retailers Ampol and Viva saw gains of at least 1.3%, continuing a steady rise over the past fortnight amid anticipated fuel price increases.
State Memorial for Richard Scolyer to Commence
A state memorial service for Professor Richard Scolyer, 2024 Australian of the Year and pioneering melanoma researcher, is scheduled to begin. Hundreds, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn, are expected to attend the ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Monday morning to honor Scolyer’s life.
Royal Commission to Hear Evidence of Abuse on University Campuses
Zelie Heger SC, counsel assisting the royal commission, noted “significant concerns” raised in submissions regarding antisemitism at universities, which must balance various rights and freedoms.
She stated that the hearings will include testimonies of Jewish staff and students experiencing verbal abuse, intimidation, and physical assault on campuses. Incidents cited include a Nazi salute directed at a Jewish teacher in a classroom and Jews being called “baby killers” or “genocide supporters.”
“A recurring theme is Jewish staff and students being assumed to take a particular position on the conflict in the Middle East simply by virtue of being Jewish or being Israeli … There are diverse views amongst the Jewish community as to that conflict.
Many Jews are opposed to the actions of the government of Israel. Indeed, there are Jews who do not identify as Zionist or do not identify with the state of Israel at all … No one doubts the importance of being able to debate the conflict in the Middle East … But I anticipate the evidence will show that there have been instances where protest on these issues has crossed the line.”
Government Monitors IS-Linked Australian Woman Hodan Abby
Government officials are tracking the whereabouts of Hodan Abby, the last Australian woman with links to Islamic State who has not returned to the country. The prospect of arrest upon arrival may deter her from returning, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Burke revealed that the government is aware of Abby’s location following the lifting of a national security order barring her return. He told ABC News:
“Anybody who made a decision to go and join Isis made an absolutely horrific decision, and we’ve got no interest in doing anything to help any of them back.
Our agencies are aware of her location … she’d be weighing up the different things she’s done and would be making a decision as to whether or not she in fact ever returns.”
One Nation’s Rise Challenges Election Predictions
One Nation’s surge from 6% in the last election to leading or near-leading in recent polls has disrupted traditional election forecasting. Pollsters previously relied on historical preference flows between Labor and the Coalition, but the rise of One Nation introduces uncertainty.
George Hasanakos, head of research at DemosAu, described the current situation as “unknown territory.”
Over 600 Trombonists Gather in Queensland for World Record Attempt
More than 600 trombonists convened in Ipswich, Queensland, on Sunday to attempt a new world record for the largest trombone ensemble. The group performed “76 Trombones” with significantly more participants than the song’s title suggests.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding commented:
“Ipswich has once again shown the world what can happen when a community comes together with passion, creativity and a willingness to dream big.
To see hundreds of musicians of all skill levels in Tulmur Place ready to try and set a new world record is an extraordinary achievement and one that every participant, volunteer and supporter can be incredibly proud of.”
Participants traveled from across southeast Queensland and beyond. The previous record of 368 musicians was set in Washington DC in 2012. A submission for official Guinness World Records verification has been made.
Visa Fee Hikes Criticized as Unfair to International Students
The federal government faces criticism for increasing non-refundable visa fees by up to 200%, affecting international students and permanent residents. The hikes place Australia’s visa costs significantly above those of other Western countries.
The peak body representing international students has cautioned prospective students to consider other study destinations. Critics accuse the Labor government of attempting to “out-One Nation One Nation” through these changes.
Support for One Nation Declines in Recent Poll
Following Pauline Hanson’s controversial Press Club speech, support for One Nation has decreased, with some voters shifting to the Coalition, according to a Resolve Political Monitor survey released Sunday night.
The poll showed One Nation’s support fell by three points in July to 26%, while the Coalition’s support increased to 23%. Labor remained steady at 28%, and the Greens held at 12%.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s preferred PM rating rose to 33% from 29% in June, while Angus Taylor’s rating increased to 21% from 19%.
Nearly 55% of Homes Sold at Auction Nationwide
Preliminary data from Cotality indicates that just under 55% of homes were sold at auction last week, marking an increase after several weeks below 50%.
In Sydney, 57.5% of homes sold at auction; Melbourne recorded 56.2%; and Adelaide 59.1%. Auction clearance rates remained low in Brisbane (43%) and other capitals, with fewer auctions held.
In Sydney and Melbourne, 83 and 65 homes respectively were withdrawn from auction.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Investigates Bangkok Pub Fire Impact on Australians
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is investigating whether any Australians were affected by a deadly fire at a pub in Bangkok overnight. The blaze resulted in at least 27 fatalities and numerous injuries.
“Australians will be shocked to hear of the terrible loss of life in the restaurant fire in Bangkok. Our sincere condolences are with all those affected.
Australian officials are making urgent enquiries with local authorities to determine whether any Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”
Digital Passenger Cards to Replace Paper Forms, Says Tony Burke
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the transition from physical passenger cards to digital forms as a more efficient method for managing border processes.
Burke explained the challenges with paper cards, especially after long flights when travelers may not recall details such as hotel addresses or emergency contacts.
“At the end of a long flight, people might not be at their best, and nobody knows … the full address off the top of their head of the hotel they’re staying at, or remembers the phone number of their next of kin.
What actually happens to all those paper cards? They are used sometimes:
From a home affairs perspective, there are times when we need to go back to those cards for information.
And at the moment, you’re going through warehouses trying to find the right box that’s got the right set of cards to be able to then decipher someone’s handwriting.”
Australia to End Paper Arrival Cards for International Travellers
The Albanese government will implement digital passenger cards at all Australian international airports and seaports following successful trials in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
The paper forms, which collect personal information and declarations of food, plant, or animal products, have long been considered inconvenient by travelers arriving on long-haul flights.
Shadow Education Minister Criticizes University Leaders Over Antisemitism
Julian Leeser, shadow minister for education, condemned university leaders as “weak and spineless” for failing to address antisemitism effectively.
Speaking on RN Breakfast, Leeser stated:
“Universities are the place where the next generation of leaders goes to be formed. And the fact that our vice-chancellors are so weak and spineless that they haven’t been able to crack down on this shows how much we need this definition adopted …
I think this week at the royal commission, this is the week where the vice-chancellors have to own up for their failures here, for their failures in allowing those encampments to persist and saying that that’s just the price Jews have to pay for free speech … for failing to provide a safe environment for Jewish staff and Jewish students, and allowing a culture of fear to take place.”
Home Affairs Minister Explains Temporary Exclusion Order on IS-Linked Woman
When questioned on ABC Radio National about a travel permit issued to an Australian citizen linked to Islamic State, after a prior temporary exclusion order, Tony Burke indicated he would not be surprised if the woman chose not to return.
Burke said:
“There is a reason why one person stood out from others in terms of the temporary exclusion order information.”
Regarding those who have returned to Australia, he added:
“I was surprised when all the remainder of the cohort returned, but I think they weren’t quite expecting that some of them would be met at the airport by the Australian federal police because we already had the evidentiary burden there to be able to press charges.
Everybody who went to join [Islamic State] made an unconscionable decision … and while they were there, there were a range of unacceptable behaviours across the cohort.”
Definitions of Antisemitism and Islamophobia on Campuses Aim to Enhance Student Safety
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that universities across Australia will be required to adopt formal definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure student safety.
Burke stated:
“Time at uni should be a place where people feel completely safe. And clearly, for the last two years, for a whole lot of students, that just hasn’t been true …
It’s important that universities are given clear standards and metrics that they’re being measured against and that they’re measuring themselves against to make sure that the experience of a student in Australia, no matter who you love, no matter where you’re from, no matter what you believe, is an experience of safety.”
Richard Scolyer Honored with State Memorial at Sydney Opera House
Richard Scolyer, who passed away from brain cancer on 7 June at age 59, will be commemorated with a state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House. He was named 2024 Australian of the Year.
Dignitaries including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Governor-General Sam Mostyn will attend the service.
Scolyer is recognized for transforming melanoma from a frequently fatal disease into a largely curable condition through treatments that activate the patient’s immune system.
The Prime Minister paid tribute, saying:
“Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence and he lifted us all in the process.”
Morning Briefing: Auctions, Offender Blitz, and Memorial Service
Good morning. Nick Visser here to begin the week with today’s key news:
- Auction clearance rates across the combined capital cities have risen above 50% for the first time in weeks, with an overall rate of 54.8%. Sydney recorded 57.5%, Melbourne 56.2%, and Adelaide 59.1%.
- More than under a new operation targeting violent and sexual offenders on the NSW transport network. The initiative includes high-visibility patrols and proactive measures on buses, trains, ferries, and metro services.
- A state memorial service for pioneering cancer researcher Richard Scolyer will be held today at the Sydney Opera House, attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders.
