National

Push for public sector training on social cohesion

By Noah Secomb

Jul 28, 2026

A Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion — An anti-Semitism inquiry will consider ways to improve workplace education and training. -AAP Image

Public service personnel could face additional workplace training under recommendations put to the Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Royal Commission.

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The inquiry will enter a new block of hearings on Tuesday, examining the effectiveness of existing education and training, and how it can be improved to prevent and respond to anti-Semitic conduct, said Commissioner Virginia Bell SC.

"By ensuring people have the knowledge, tools and support to recognise and respond to anti-Semitism, we can help create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone," Commissioner Bell said.

Educational institutions including the Melbourne Holocaust Museum will front the commission on Tuesday with a push for social cohesion and anti-Semitism training to be included across the public sector.

In its submission, the museum is also calling for a National Holocaust Education Standards Framework and dedicated security funding for at-risk institutions including schools and places of worship.

The museum is urging the government to consider ongoing funding support for Holocaust museums as 'core infrastructure' which it considers essential to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust can be used to "prevent the recurrence of prejudice, racism, and anti-Semitism".

Representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Public Service Commission and its New South Wales counterpart will give evidence later on Tuesday.

The commission will later this week consider means of deradicalisation and assessing the powers of law enforcement and security agencies to tackle anti-Semitism.

It follows last week's hearings on security for the Jewish community where a prominent Jewish MP raised concerns with standards on university campuses.Â

Julian Leeser called for universities to remove anti-Semitic materials from course resources during his appearance on Friday.

"That university governing bodies be ultimately responsible for making their campuses free of anti-Semitism in the same way they're responsible for workplace health and safety on campuses," Mr Leeser said.

The inquiry was called in January after 15 people were killed and dozens more injured when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 14.