Standing for academic freedom, against authoritarianism, and in defence of independent research
In recent months, universities across Australia have become the site of deepening tension over academic freedom, government and foreign interference, and the right to speak out on pressing human rights issues, including the war on Gaza.
We have seen:
- Staff and students intimidated or silenced for expressing political views, particularly in support of Palestinian rights;
- The adoption by Universities Australia of a definition of antisemitism that risks suppressing legitimate academic debate and peaceful protest; and
- An alarming attempt by the Trump administration to impose a radical ideological agenda on Australian research through joint funding arrangements.
At the same time, we are witnessing a global rise in far-right ideologies and authoritarianism — including efforts to defund public education and restrict intellectual freedom. These forces are not distant. They are here, and they are beginning to shape the landscape of our universities and our work.
The National Tertiary Education Union has responded strongly to these developments through a series of statements, defending public education and research, rejecting fascism and foreign interference, and reaffirming the right to academic freedom and open intellectual inquiry.
The NTEU NSW Division Council:
- Recognises the NTEU’s role in providing principled leadership in the face of these threats, and reaffirms the sentiments of recent National statements:
- Standing against fascism and far-right ideologies (1 March 2025)
- Statement on the Universities Australia definition of antisemitism (11 March 2025)
- Response to Trump administration interference in Australian research (14 March 2025)
- Reaffirms our shared commitment, as the NSW Division, to defending academic freedom, intellectual diversity, and the right of university staff and students to engage in research, teaching, and activism without fear of censorship or political interference.
- Acknowledges the courage and solidarity of our members across NSW who are facing pressure — from university managements, governments, and external actors — for speaking out. You are not alone. This union is with you.
- Affirms that the struggle for justice, democracy, and public education is not abstract — it is lived in our workplaces, our lecture theatres, our research, and our organising. And it is our responsibility as a union to stand up, speak out, and take action.
- Commits to working with branches, members, and allies to build a university system that is inclusive, free and democratic, and to challenge any attempt—at home or abroad—to undermine these principles.
