We thank the Special Envoy, Aftab Malik, for his leadership and the thoughtful work that has informed this important national conversation.

Australia’s universities are committed to ensuring every student and staff member can learn and work in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from racism, discrimination and hatred in all its forms.

The sector has already endorsed Universities Australia’s nationally coordinated approach to strengthening how universities prevent and respond to racism, developed in response to the Respect at Uni report.

We look forward to working with the Australian Government, the Special Envoy and the broader education sector to build on that work.

Universities have an important role to play in fostering respectful dialogue, inclusion and mutual understanding, while upholding the fundamental principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression.

We will continue to support practical, nationally consistent approaches that help universities prevent and respond to Islamophobia, antisemitism and all other forms of racism and discrimination.