Julian Leeser, the shadow minister for education, has declared that the era of universities "mucking around" on definitions of antisemitism is over. Speaking on RN Breakfast, Leeser described vice-chancellors as "weak and spineless" for failing to crack down on antisemitism, allowing encampments to persist, and creating a "culture of fear" for Jewish staff and students. Meanwhile, in a completely unrelated but far more melodic development, more than 600 trombonists gathered in Ipswich, Queensland, on Sunday to shatter the world record for the largest trombone ensemble - because nothing says "addressing institutional failure" like a community coming together to play "76 Trombones" with, well, many more than that. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding called it an "extraordinary achievement," and Guinness World Records is now reviewing the submission. The previous record of 368 musicians, set in Washington DC in 2012, has been officially tooted out of existence.
Australia's visa fee hikes have been called "unfair," with non-refundable fees jumping by up to 200%, making the country an expensive option for international students. The peak body representing them is warning prospective students to look elsewhere, while critics accuse Labor of trying to "out-One Nation One Nation." Speaking of One Nation, Pauline Hanson's party has slipped three points in July to 26% in the Resolve Political Monitor, with the Coalition gaining to 23%. Labor held steady at 28%, Greens at 12%, and Anthony Albanese reclaimed the "preferred PM" title with 33%, up from 29% in June, while Angus Taylor sat at 21%.
Auction rates finally climbed above 50% for the first time in weeks, with 54.8% of homes sold nationally - 57.5% in Sydney, 56.2% in Melbourne, and 59.1% in Adelaide. Brisbane lagged at 43%, but then, Brisbane has a lot going on. Meanwhile, 83 homes were withdrawn from auction in Sydney and 65 in Melbourne, because nothing says "confidence in the market" like pulling your property at the last minute.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is investigating whether any Australians were caught in a deadly fire at a Bangkok pub that killed at least 27 people. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed condolences and said officials are making "urgent enquiries." In happier travel news, Australia is ditching paper arrival cards for digital versions, which Burke called a "much more efficient way" to run the border. He noted that after a long flight, nobody remembers their full address or next of kin's phone number, and currently officials have to "go through warehouses trying to find the right box" to decipher handwriting. So, progress.
Burke also addressed a travel permit issued to an Australian woman with links to Islamic State, saying there was a "reason" she was singled out with a temporary exclusion order, and he wouldn't be surprised if she decides not to return. He added that everyone who joined Islamic State made an "unconscionable decision" and engaged in "unacceptable behaviours." On the topic of campus safety, Burke said universities will now be required to adopt formal definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, ensuring students feel safe "no matter who you love, no matter where you're from, no matter what you believe."
Finally, a state memorial service for Richard Scolyer, the 2024 Australian of the Year who died of brain cancer on 7 June at age 59, will be held at the Sydney Opera House. Dignitaries including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Governor General Sam Mostyn will attend. Scolyer was remembered as the pathologist who turned melanoma from a death sentence into a largely curable disease by activating the immune system. Albanese called him "one of Australia's brightest lights and biggest hearts." Also, more than 350 people were charged in a blitz targeting violent and sexual offenders on the NSW transport network, because apparently the trombone record wasn't the only thing being broken this week.