The Albanese government has introduced new mandatory standards requiring Australian universities to address racism and antisemitism, with vice chancellors facing scrutiny by a royal commission.

The reforms, effective from Monday, mandate universities to adopt recognised definitions of hate crimes, implement transparent complaints processes, and ensure safe environments for students and staff.

Key measures include annual reporting to regulators, publication of governance decisions, and a new university antisemitism report card system grading institutions from A to D.

Education Minister Jason Clare highlighted the need for stronger enforcement powers for regulators, citing concerns about universities being 'caught flat-footed' by rising antisemitism.The reforms follow a report by Professor Greg Craven, which found no Australian university had adequately adopted an antisemitism definition.While some activists warn of threats to academic freedom, the government insists the changes will improve campus safety.

The reforms come ahead of public hearings where university leaders will be questioned about their responses to antisemitism following the 2023 Israel-Gaza conflict.