The Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator (GBV Regulator), a new body within the Department of Education, is now operational. Its role is to ensure higher education providers comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (National Code) which came into effect on 1 January 2026.
The GBV Regulator will work in partnership with higher education providers to support and uphold the National Code, share good practice with universities and non-university providers, address non-compliance and improve data collection to better understand and prevent gender-based violence in higher education.
Gender-based violence continues to occur at significant rates in higher education settings, including student accommodation. It undermines student achievement, erodes trust and derails people's futures. With 1.6 million students and more than 250,000 staff, providers have a powerful role in promoting new norms and creating safer campuses.
The National Code sets seven standards that all higher education providers must meet to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence. It requires stronger prevention frameworks to stop violence before it starts.
Under the National Code, providers must:
- promote student and staff safety
- publish a prevention and response plan
- respond promptly to disclosures
- act fairly
- provide support services.
Students and staff who experience gender-based violence are encouraged to speak with their higher education provider. If they have concerns about how their higher education provider handled a disclosure, report or support services, they can raise their concerns with the National Student Ombudsman.
