Bill Shorten, the former leader of Australia's Labor Party and current vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra, has expressed his shock over testimony given to the royal commission on antisemitism, particularly from within the university sector. Shorten's comments come as the commission continues to investigate allegations of antisemitism and intimidation on Australian campuses. In a stark warning, he described the actions of those involved as "bullying," "thuggery," and "cowardice," emphasizing that individuals have no right to make others' lives "scary, miserable, and fearful" due to differing views. Shorten's statement highlights the growing concern over the rise of antisemitism in Australian universities and the need for decisive action to address these issues.
Former Labor leader, now University of Canberra vice-chancellor, also said he was shocked by some evidence given at the royal commission on antisemitism. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastShorten shocked by testimony given to royal commission on antisemitismFormer Labor leader Bill Shorten, now the vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra, said he was shocked by the evidence given from the university sector during the latest round of hearings before the royal commission on antisemitism.It describes an Australia … and Australian universities that I don’t recognise. But the fact is that these voices who are speaking up through the vehicle of the royal commission are revealing things, which mean that there’s no excuse to ignore them.Once people are putting coverings over their faces so they can’t be identified, once they’re going to people’s individual offices, they’ve crossed a line. This is not a protest any more. It’s just bullying. It’s thuggery. It’s cowardice. It’s intimidation. And I don’t really care how righteous you think your cause is. You’ve got no right in this country to make someone else’s life so scary, so miserable, so fearful, just because you happen to have a view. Continue reading...
