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World
Australia: 18 Jewish schools spent $58 million on security between 2022 and 2025
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 3 min read
The essentials
In Australia, 18 Jewish schools collectively spent $58 million AUD on security measures between 2022 and 2025, according to the Australian Council of Jewish Schools. These figures were presented to a Royal Commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. Since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, security contributions charged to parents have increased by up to 250%. The government covers only around 30% of these costs. The 2026 Australian federal budget allocates $124 million AUD over three years to strengthen community security.
- 18 Jewish schools: $58 million AUD spent on security from 2022 to 2025
- Parental security contributions increased up to 250% since October 7, 2023
- Government covers only approximately 30% of security costs
- $124 million AUD in federal funding over three years for community security
- Educational resources diverted to security, school leaders report
What we know
According to ABC News Australia, the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion — chaired by former High Court judge Virginia Bell — heard testimony from Jewish school leaders about extraordinary security measures imposed on their institutions.
The Australian Council of Jewish Schools (ACJS) estimates that 18 Jewish schools collectively spent $58 million AUD on security between 2022 and 2025.
Sydney's Emanuel School has daily police presence, according to principal Linda Emms. In Melbourne, Dan Sztrajt, principal of Mount Scopus Memorial College, devotes 10 to 15 percent of his total working time to security.
Since the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, security contributions charged to parents have increased by up to 250%. Government funding covers only around 30% of operational and capital costs, with families paying an annual security contribution that can exceed $1,000 AUD.
The numbers
$58 million AUD
Combined security spending by 18 Jewish schools (2022–2025)
250%
Maximum increase in parental security contributions since October 7, 2023
~30%
Share of security costs covered by government funding
>$1,000 AUD/year
Maximum annual security contribution per family
$124 million AUD
Federal funding allocated over 3 years for Jewish community security (2026 budget)
Timeline
- 2019All Australian education ministers sign the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration, committing the state to providing all young Australians with high-quality, inclusive education free from discrimination.
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