The National Code will require providers to ensure study, work, social, and living environments are safe, respectful, and inclusive for staff and students, and to address the factors that drive and contribute to gender-based violence.
The bill should be supported because it addresses a critical issue of gender-based violence in higher education, fostering environments that are safe, respectful, and inclusive, which aligns with principles of equality and non-discrimination. By establishing strict standards and accountability measures, the bill aims to significantly reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence, thus promoting a more egalitarian society. Additionally, the bill empowers students and staff by providing clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing grievances, thereby enhancing democratic engagement within educational institutions [Judgment].
The bill should be opposed because it imposes significant regulatory burdens on higher education institutions that could divert resources away from educational priorities [Judgment]. The requirement for detailed compliance and reporting could lead to increased administrative costs, potentially impacting the financial stability of smaller institutions. Furthermore, the concentration of authority in a single specialist unit within the Department of Education may lead to overreach and excessive control over universities, undermining institutional autonomy and potentially stifling academic freedom [Judgment].
2025-07-23
Passed Both Houses
Unspecified
Education
Education, Discrimination / Human Rights, Criminal Law Reform