New laws aim to make Australian university campuses safer

There is significant jurisdictional variation in the laws governing universities, and state and territory ministers have limited directional powers over university governing bodies.

reporter reports on degrading, sexist, brutal behavior at university residential colleges over time, particularly at the University of Sydney, Australia’s oldest institution of higher education. Over the years, little or nothing has been done, under the pretext that colleges are a law unto themselves, governed by their own councils and often dominated by graduates. The new laws will now also cover student accommodation.

New laws for the higher education sector mean that the biggest challenge lies in changing the culture on campuses and universities, where unacceptable sexual behavior is tolerated as part of university life. Universities therefore have a special responsibility to provide a safe and equitable learning environment for diverse students.

Universities should be safe and inclusive spaces for all, providing not only learning opportunities but also developing lifelong professional networks and friendships, while shaping an equal society and building a future free of violence and abuse.

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