Gender Equity Discussions in the Senate (28/07/2025)

Legislative Efforts on Gender Equity and Women’s Rights

• Universities Accord Bill: The Senate discussed the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025, which aims to create a set of protocols for preventing and addressing gender-based violence in higher education institutions (Pages 87-90).
• Call to Action: The speaker highlighted the urgent need for this legislation, reflecting a collective anguish regarding violence against women. It was asserted that no workplace, including universities, is immune to such violence (Pages 91-92).
• Background and Advocacy: The proactive push for a national code is credited to efforts from various activists and organizations, including End Rape on Campus and Fair Agenda. The impactful contributions of courageous victims sharing their stories were also recognized, addressing the emotional stakes linked to the issue (Pages 92-93).
• Prevalence of Sexual Violence: Shocking statistics were presented, indicating the severity of the issue, with an average of 275 students sexually assaulted on Australian university campuses weekly as per a 2021 study. Furthermore, the National Tertiary Education Union’s survey revealed an increase in sexual harassment reports, with a notable percentage involving women (Pages 93-94).
• Inadequate Safety Responses: The report indicated that many universities fail to effectively address sexual violence, leaving students and staff feeling unsafe and unsupported. This systemic inadequacy is cited as a key reason for the need for legislative action (Pages 94-95).
• Consequences for Non-compliance: The proposed bill outlines significant repercussions for higher education providers that do not comply, including potential loss of accreditation or facing civil penalties. This aims to shift universities toward a more proactive and transparent approach in addressing gender-based violence (Page 95).
• Support Across Parties: The bill received bipartisan support; Greens Senator expressed strong endorsement based on years of advocacy for safer campuses, particularly concerning marginalized groups. The intersectional approach in addressing gendered violence was highlighted as vital (Pages 95-96).
• Liberal Party Perspective: Meanwhile, Senator Blyth from the Liberal Party also backed the bill, expressing concerns about the government’s approach to penalties. She called for improved communication regarding existing support mechanisms, drawing from her experiences within the university system (Page 95).

The discussions underscored the critical legislative efforts directed towards enhancing gender equity and protecting women’s rights within Australian higher education, aiming to create safer environments for all students and staff.