Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, and Greens Senate leader Senator Larissa Waters welcome the announcement today that education ministers have endorsed the national action plan, and a national student ombudsman will be established.
As stated by Deputy Greens Leader & Greens spokesperson on Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi
"Finally Labor has taken action. This is a big day for activists and victim-survivors who have worked hard for years to make universities safe.
"For too long, universities and the regulator have failed to support and protect students and staff, or implement systems to prevent and tackle sexual violence on campus. It's about time they are held to account.
"The National Student Ombudsman must have real teeth, be properly resourced and must be able to hold universities to account, so the failures of TEQSA and universities are not repeated.
"A heartfelt thank you to victim-survivors, activists and groups like EROC, Fair Agenda and STOP Campaign for their years of hard work to make campuses safe for all students and staff."
As stated by Greens spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters
"Today's announcement is a massive win for activists like EROC, Fair Agenda and the STOP Campaign who have been calling for an independent body to hold universities accountable for many years.
"The National Student Ombudsman has been long called-for; now it must be made concrete urgently and have the powers to hold universities accountable for failing to address sexual violence on campus.
"The conduct of universities in covering up the sexual assaults and harassment that happen on campus rather than seriously addressing student concerns and keeping students safe has been reprehensible.
"Universities have failed to make real changes to protect students, so the Ombudsman must be equipped to do so quickly. Unis must be safe places for students to learn and thrive."
