UQU and NTEU (UQ) joint analysis warns of major changes to university governance under the Go8’s plans to combat antisemitismThe UQ Union (UQU) and the UQ Branch of the NTEU have released a joint analysis this week of the Group of Eight Expert Advisory Committee on Combatting Antisemitism (EACCA) report—and the findings should concern every university staff member. Our analysis makes one thing clear: while the EACCA report was commissioned to strengthen universities' responses to antisemitism, its recommendations extend far beyond that purpose. If implemented, they would introduce significant changes to how Australian universities are governed. The report proposes a substantial expansion of executive authority, new systems of monitoring and surveillance of staff and students (including to set up monitoring of staff and student social media accounts), broader behavioural regulation, and changes to the French Model Code on Academic Freedom. Collectively, these recommendations risk shifting university governance away from a model centred on academic freedom and collegial decision-making towards one focused on institutional risk management, surveillance and executive control. Our paper does not argue that universities should not take strong action to combat antisemitism. Universities have clear legal and moral responsibilities to ensure campuses are safe and free from discrimination and harassment. Rather, we ask whether the governance mechanisms proposed by the EACCA report are proportionate, and whether they could have adverse consequences for academic freedom, freedom of expression and the broader culture of Australian universities. This is not simply a debate about one report. It is a debate about the future of our universities. If adopted, these recommendations could reshape the relationship between university executives, staff and students for years to come. We encourage all members to read the full UQU–NTEU analysis and join the discussion about what kind of university we want to defend. Heads up for those of you on Academic Board - you can expect the university senior admin team to try to ram these changes through at the meeting on 14 August (and for the UQ Senate to rubber stamp them on 18 August). Remember, telling staff that it’s happening at Academic Board is how ‘consultation’ is done here at UQ.
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