New laws aim to make Australian university campuses safer

There are considerable jurisdictional differences in the acts governing universities, and state and territory ministers have limited directive powers over university governing bodies.

The Herald has been reporting over time on the demeaning, sexist, brutalising behaviour at university residential colleges, particularly at Australia’s oldest tertiary institution, the University of Sydney. For years, little to nothing was done, always with the excuse that the colleges were a law unto themselves, governed by their own councils, usually heavily dominated by alumni. The new laws will now cover student accommodation.

For the tertiary sector, the new laws mean the great challenge lies in changing the culture across campuses and in colleges where unacceptable sexual behaviour has been tolerated as part of university life. As such, universities have a particular responsibility to ensure a safe and equitable learning environment for diverse students.

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

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