Written By Lili Galvin, Student Journalist for the Griffith Journal
Edited and Co-Produced by Emma Standen
22 August, 2025
THE FIRST Student General Meeting for the National Student Referendum, Votes for Palestine was held on August 20 at Griffith University.
The referendum called for students to vote on the following motions, taken from the Griffith SRC website:
- Students censure the Australian government for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. We demand an end to all weapons sales to Israel by Australia and Australian companies, and call for sanctions on Israel.
- Students call on all Australian universities to end their complicity in Israel’s genocide by ceasing all partnerships with weapons companies.
Urging the Federal Government and Australian Universities to acknowledge student voices, Kore Opie, SRC committee member and meeting organiser, says this is the way for Australia to be on the right side of history.
“The point of the SGM (Student General Meeting) is about students having their voices heard and to take a stand on the right side of history,” Kore Opie said.
“All of this is about mounting public pressure to get as many people as possible to take a stand and say the majority of people in society do not stand by when a genocide is carrying out.
“We want our own government to also take that side.”
Griffith student and voter, Charlie Smith, explained that the turnout of the event inspired her.
“I came today because it can be very frustrating and depressing to watch everything unfold on your phone and feel so powerless,” Charlie Smith said.
“And it is really inspiring to come and be in a room with people who believe in liberation and peace in the Middle East.”
To see the full interview with Kore Opie and further information about the National Student Referendum for Palestine, stay tuned for our next article.
The nationwide Story Bridge March for Palestine, in Brisbane, is happening this Sunday, August 24, at 1 pm.
Stay tuned to the Griffith Journal for upcoming updates on this weekend’s march and see how fellow Griffith University students are getting involved.
The Griffith Journal 
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