The SA Government is doubling down on its commitment to combating antisemitism, announcing a major funding boost for Holocaust and antisemitism education in South Australia following the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack.
The State Government will more than double its recent funding commitment to the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre (AHMSEC), increasing support from $242,360 over three years to a total of $500,000. The expanded investment will strengthen education programs designed to foster understanding, empathy and positive citizenship among South Australia’s children and young people, at a time of heightened concern about rising antisemitism.
AHMSEC is South Australia’s only public institution dedicated specifically to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism, and plays a vital role within the state’s education system. Its curriculum-aligned programs support schools to engage students with the historical realities of the Holocaust and the contemporary consequences of hate, prejudice and discrimination.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said education remains one of the most powerful tools available to confront antisemitism. “Antisemitism has no place in South Australia and education is one of the most powerful tools we have to confront this hatred,” he said. “I am proud that this government is responsible for increasing funding to this important education program, even before the events of Sunday. However, in the wake of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack, we are doubling down on our commitment to ensure young South Australians understand where antisemitism leads and why it is never acceptable.”
The $500,000 funding package will enable AHMSEC to expand its reach and impact across the state. This includes developing new content aimed at upper primary students, extending Holocaust and antisemitism education across a broader curriculum to reach younger age groups, and employing a senior educator to support continuous improvement of learning programs.
Additional funding will also broaden access for regional and disadvantaged communities through both in-person and online delivery, while strengthening curriculum-aligned education for students and teachers. Partnerships with organisations such as Flinders University and the Children’s Rights Centre of South Australia will be enhanced to support student pathways, foster research and reinforce moral and citizenship education.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said the Bondi Beach attack had underscored the urgency of education-based responses. “The horrific events that unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday night calls for greater understanding about the history of the Jewish community and heightens the urgency to support programs which promote empathy as we face the challenge of rising antisemitism,” he said. “It is essential we teach our children and young people about what the Jewish community has endured in the past to better support the Jewish people now and into the future.”
Since its establishment in 2018, AHMSEC has delivered curriculum-aligned Holocaust education to around 3,000 students from approximately 45 schools each year, including regional schools. More than 200 teachers have also participated in professional learning and support programs, helping to embed Holocaust education more deeply within classrooms across the state.
Minister Boyer said the expanded funding would ensure even more students benefit from these programs. “I am proud our government has invested more funding to ensure more students receive Holocaust and antisemitism education in our schools – and this funding will expand the reach even further.”
More News
