New legislation in Australia mandates universities to address and prevent gender-based violence on campuses more effectively. The House of Representatives passed the historic laws on March 4, 2024, establishing a national higher education code aimed at tackling this pervasive issue.
The new code is the culmination of years of advocacy from students, educational institutions, and various organizations. It will extend to all university operations, including campuses and student housing, marking a significant shift in how these institutions will manage incidents of violence.
Impact of the New Regulations
According to a parliamentary report, over 14,000 sexual assaults occur each year at Australian universities. Furthermore, statistics reveal that one in six university students has experienced sexual harassment on campus. Alarmingly, nearly one in three university staff members reported similar experiences.
The legislation follows the establishment of the National Student Ombudsman in February 2024, which was created in response to previous failures in handling sexual violence and harassment complaints within universities. This new framework is intended to ensure that victims are supported and that their complaints are taken seriously.
Patty Kinnersly, chief executive of Our Watch, a leader in the primary prevention of violence against women, emphasized the importance of a cultural shift within universities. “No one should ever fear for their safety where they work, study, or live,” she stated. Kinnersly highlighted that addressing the drivers of violence, such as gender inequality and rigid stereotypes, is crucial for preventing such incidents.
Requirements for Universities
The newly enacted code demands that universities implement top-down cultural changes. New governance standards will be established, requiring institutions to adopt a comprehensive approach to promote gender equality and respond adequately to incidents of violence.
Universities will be held accountable not only for the safety and well-being of victim-survivors but also for ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences. Labor MP Libby Coker described the laws as a “decisive step” that will empower students to voice their experiences without fear. “Universities should be places of opportunity and learning,” she remarked. “Not fear, not harassment, not silence.”
Assistant Minister for Family Violence Prevention Ged Kearney reinforced the need for this legislative change, stating that survivors have often been left unsupported and disbelieved. “This bill is about changing this culture,” Kearney said, emphasizing that for the first time, there will be “real oversight, real transparency, and real consequences.”
Our Watch has been collaborating with universities to provide training and resources aimed at fostering safe and respectful environments. Kinnersly stressed that the new national code clarifies that prevention is not optional; it is a core responsibility for every higher education institution and student accommodation provider.
As the bill awaits approval from the Senate to become law, its proponents are hopeful that these regulations will usher in a new era of accountability and safety for students and staff alike.
For anyone affected by these issues, support is available through services such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).
