Universities Australia supports the Australian government's new anti-racism and governance standards, which mark an important step in strengthening Australia's higher education sector and build on extensive work undertaken by government, Universities Australia and the sector over recent years.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said the sector had worked constructively with government throughout the development of both standards and was committed to supporting their successful implementation.
"There is no place for racism, discrimination or hate in Australia's universities. Every student and every member of staff deserves to feel safe, respected and able to participate fully in university life, regardless of their race, religion or background," Mr Sheehy said.
"Australia's universities fully support the government's new anti-racism standard.
"Last year, Universities Australia endorsed a definition of antisemitism and called for it to be embedded in the Higher Education Standards Framework to provide clarity and support its smooth and consistent adoption across the sector. Today's announcement gives effect to that approach.
"Our sector has been working closely with government, the Antisemitism Education Taskforce, the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and the Australian Human Rights Commission to strengthen how universities prevent and respond to racism in all its forms.
"Universities Australia has also led a nationally coordinated response to the Australian Human Rights Commission's Respect at Uni report, bringing the sector together around practical actions to tackle racism, strengthen institutional capability and build more inclusive university communities.
"Our sector has made significant progress, but we know the job isn't finished. We will continue working with government and our partners to build university communities where racism has no place and everyone feels safe, respected and able to participate fully.
"We also support the new governance standard. Strong governance, accountability and transparency underpin public trust and are fundamental to delivering world-class education and research.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the Government and TEQSA to support implementation of these standards across the sector."
