Ministers Endorse New Antisemitism Curriculum Resources
Education ministers have backed new national resources on antisemitism and Jewish history as Australia's school results continue to decline.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Education — General
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Education ministers have endorsed new antisemitism education resources for Australian schools, developed by David Gonski's taskforce in the wake of the Bondi attack. The resources include more lessons on Jewish history and the contributions of Jewish Australians.
Why it matters
The reforms respond to Australia recording its lowest ever scores in international tests and persistently poor NAPLAN results. The move also reflects a wider push to strengthen civics and social cohesion education across the country.
Australian students recorded their worst-ever civics scores, with 72 per cent not understanding the basics of democracy. One in three students also fail to meet minimum numeracy expectations on NAPLAN.
The players
David Gonski AC
David Gonski is a prominent Australian businessman and education reformer who chairs the Social Cohesion Education Advisory Council.
The details
Ministers endorsed the antisemitism resources and agreed to establish a new Teaching and Learning Commission by merging ACARA, AITSL, AERO and ESA. They also agreed to return year five NAPLAN writing tests to paper, and are considering mandatory civics lessons in years nine and 10.
Timeline
From next year (2027), students will begin learning about the evils of antisemitism and the Holocaust.
Declining school results have been recorded over a period of 20 years prior to 2026.
Education Landscape
The endorsement follows Australia's declining NAPLAN and international test results, which the reforms are designed to address. It also builds on the Social Cohesion Education Advisory Council, chaired by David Gonski AC, to shape national school curricula.
Parents can expect their children to study antisemitism and the Holocaust from 2027, with changes to how NAPLAN writing is assessed. Families will also see a new Teaching and Learning Commission shaping future school policy.
The takeaway
Stronger civics and social cohesion teaching is being prioritised alongside core literacy and numeracy, reflecting a broader rethink of what schools should deliver. Parents and teachers are invited to share their views as the reforms take shape.
What happens next
Ministers will survey parents, students and teachers as they consider further reforms, and are considering mandatory civics lessons in years nine and 10.
Further reading
For more on national school policy, explore Education — General coverage.
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Should civics and citizenship lessons be mandatory for students in years nine and 10?
