An inquiry with royal commission-like powers would investigate reports of rising levels of anti-Semitism at Australian universities, under an opposition proposal.
Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who brought forward laws in federal parliament to set up an inquiry, said vice-chancellors and university leaders were not doing enough enough to stamp out anti-Semitism on campuses.
Mr Leeser, who is Jewish, said the rise in anti-Semitic incidents was alarming.
"Australia faces its greatest threat to multiculturalism with the emergence of anti-Semitism, in particular, the studied indifference to Jew-hatred on our campuses," he told parliament on Monday.
"Young Jewish Australians who are taking their first steps in the adult world are facing unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism."
The proposed inquiry would have powers similar to a royal commission in compelling witnesses to give evidence.
It would examine the policies and enforcement efforts of universities in combating anti-Semitism, as well as the complaint-handling process and security arrangements.
But because of the legislation being introduced as a private member bill in parliament, it is unlikely to be brought forward for further debate.
Mr Leeser said incidence of anti-Semitism had risen following the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel, which had led to an escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Israel launched air strikes and a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip in response.
Its offensive has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, injured more than 80,000 and displaced more than 1.7 million, Gaza's health ministry says.
Pro-Palestinian camps have been set up on many campuses following the October attacks, which Mr Leeser criticised.
"Now we see vice-chancellors negotiating research contracts with protesters, university encampments allowed to run and fester, universities unwilling, unable to evict professional agitators," he said.
"While anti-Semitism was already a problem before October 7, since that time, it's been off the charts."
The federal government announced in May an inquiry by the Australian Human Rights Commission into anti-Semitism on campuses, along with Islamophobia and racism in the university sector.
An interim report is expected to be handed down by December 31.
But Mr Leeser said many in the Jewish community had no faith in the commission's probe.
"The government's proposal for an inquiry led by the Human Rights Commission into various forms of racism on campus is woefully inadequate," he said.
"The AHRC has proven itself to be unready and unwilling to respond to anti-Semitism in Australia."
