A report urging closer scrutiny of antisemitism complaints in universities and tougher penalties for racial discrimination has been left unanswered by the Australian government, despite a requirement to respond within six months. The report is one of 67 bipartisan recommendations awaiting government action, prompting criticism of the Albanese administration’s slow response to crucial issues.
The Albanese government is also under fire for its delayed response to a separate report from its own antisemitism envoy following the Bondi massacre. Despite calls for a royal commission into the attack, an audit of committee recommendations reveals a backlog of reports on various issues that remain unaddressed.
Unanswered Reports and Growing Criticism
The inquiry into antisemitism in Australian universities, tabled 11 months ago, proposed several non-binding recommendations to improve complaints processes within higher education institutions. It also suggested the government consider a judicial inquiry if progress was deemed insufficient. This report is among many others that have yet to receive a response.
Other significant reports awaiting government action include recommendations for a comprehensive plan to ensure Australia’s future food security, expanded protections for victims of financial abuse, and a proposal by the late MP Peta Murphy to ban gambling advertising. These reports are highlighted in the latest speaker’s report on the progress of committee recommendations.
In the year leading up to November 21, 2025, only four reports received a full and timely response. These included a cybersecurity legislative package and a transport sector security amendment. Meanwhile, just one report, focused on strengthening oversight of the national intelligence committee, has been tabled since the May election.
Political Backlash and Internal Dissent
The delay in addressing these reports has sparked criticism from both the opposition and within the government. Alex Hawke, the Manager of Opposition Business in the House, accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of arrogance, citing Labor’s super majority in the House as a contributing factor.
“Labor is treating the parliament with contempt, leaving a staggering number of committee reports unanswered,” Hawke stated. “It is a great stain on the prime minister’s record that his government is yet to even respond to the late Peta Murphy’s online gambling report – a fact which is not going unnoticed by the Labor backbench.”
In response, a government spokesperson emphasized that ministers and departments require time to provide substantive responses to significant policy matters. They also noted that Labor had addressed a “significant backlog of committee reports left over from previous governments.”
Antisemitism Inquiry and Legislative Plans
When questioned about the delay in responding to the antisemitism inquiry, the government pointed to the antisemitism education taskforce launched after the Bondi massacre. This taskforce addresses recommendations made in the antisemitism envoy’s July report.
“We’ll introduce legislation to strengthen the powers and penalties available to the higher education regulator where universities fail to act,” a government spokesperson said.
While governments are not obligated to implement inquiry reports, Murphy’s final recommendations on gambling ads have garnered cross-party support since her death. Labor backbencher Mike Freelander expressed confidence that a conscience vote among MPs could lead to a ban on gambling advertising.
“I’ve got no doubt we’d be able to ban gambling advertising, because I think there’s a general consensus we need to act on it, that it does cause a lot of harm,” Freelander told the ABC.
Prime Minister’s Stance and Future Implications
Despite the growing support for a ban on gambling ads, Prime Minister Albanese rejected the idea of a conscience vote during one of the final question times for the year. Under repeated questioning from independents, he maintained that Labor votes as a caucus.
Albanese stated, “I lead a political party, not a bunch of individuals,” a comment interpreted by Coalition MPs as a slight to the autonomy of Labor backbenchers.
The government’s handling of these reports and the internal dissent it has sparked could have significant implications for its legislative agenda and public perception. As pressure mounts, the Albanese administration faces the challenge of addressing these critical issues while maintaining party unity.
