The Group of Eight takes the Craven report seriously. Any suggestion that universities are not doing enough to protect students and staff from harassment, intimidation or hate must be treated with urgency.
Australia’s leading research universities accept that responsibility does not end with policy statements. It rests on what happens on campus, every day – how concerns are raised, how quickly they are dealt with, and whether people feel safe to study, work and speak.
Go8 universities have been clear: antisemitism, racism and hate have no place in our institutions. Where students or staff experience harm, the response must be immediate, visible and decisive. That expectation is shared by university leaders, governing councils and the broader community.
Importantly, the Go8 has already moved to address these challenges directly. We have established an independent expert committee to combat antisemitism, tasked with examining the lived experience of Jewish students and staff and advising on practical, enforceable actions to strengthen university responses. This work goes to the very issues raised in the report card.
At the same time, universities operate in difficult and sometimes confronting environments. They are places of debate, protest and strong disagreement. That does not excuse inaction, but it does mean that leadership requires constant judgement, clarity and courage – not just compliance.
Many of the issues raised by Greg Craven reflect challenges the sector has already acknowledged and is working to address. Go8 universities have strengthened complaints handling, improved campus safety arrangements, invested in education and training, and worked closely with student groups, police and community organisations where needed.
There is more to do, and we accept that scrutiny is part of that task.
The Go8 supports rigorous assessment of how universities respond to hate and intimidation. What matters now is sustained effort, clear standards and accountability.
Universities exist to expand knowledge and opportunity. They only fulfil that role when every student and every staff member know they belong and will be protected. That remains our responsibility, and we do not shy away from it.