This branch of the NTEU University of Melbourne Branch condemns the disgraceful attack on Khaled Sabsabi that has been driven by the LNP, the Labor Party and the Murdoch media. We condemn Creative Australia’s spineless capitulation to political pressure, which marks an abandonment of the organisation’s commitment to political independence.

This NTEU University of Melbourne Branch stands in solidarity with Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino, and calls for the board of Creative Australia to: 

1. Reinstate Sabsabi and Dagostino as the team for the 2026 Biennale;

2. Formally apologise to Sabsabi and Dagostino;

3. Meet with Sabsabi and Dagostino, to take accountability for their actions.

1. Calls on University of Melbourne management to cut ties with all organisations that enable the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

2. calls on University of Melbourne management to cut its ties with the defence industry/sector, the weapons industry and militaries in general;

3. calls on the University of Melbourne to amend its Gift Policy to abstain from accepting gifts from donors in the defence sector (e.g. Boeing, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin).

4. calls on the University of Melbourne to cease partnerships within the defence sector, including arrangements pertaining to strategic initiatives, in-kind support, and research collaboration with individual and group projects.

read the rest of the motion here