Australia (Commonwealth)_In the pursuit of fostering safer campus environments and promoting respectful relationships, the Australian universities have embarked on a journey to create a comprehensive student-facing respectful relationships campaign. However, there have been recent reports suggesting that the progress of this initiative has been hindered by objections from a minority of vice-chancellors among the 39 universities represented by Universities Australia.
Recognizing the paramount importance of ensuring safety and well-being on campuses, Greens Senator Larissa Waters extends a warm and friendly invitation to engage with Universities Australia at the upcoming Senate Inquiry into sexual consent laws and education. This collaborative effort aims to address the pressing issue of sexual assaults on campuses, which is currently reported at an alarming rate of 275 incidents per week.
Senator Waters firmly believes that universities carry a crucial responsibility in providing a secure and supportive environment for their students. The proposed respectful relationships campaign, funded by the government, seeks to equip young adults with the essential educational resources they need to navigate consent and boundaries confidently.
While acknowledging that decisions are best made collectively, the Senator expresses concern about the reported reluctance to fully embrace this critical campaign due to the objections of a few. The Senator affectionately refers to these dissenting voices as “archaic mindsets of a few old dinosaurs,” playfully reminding all stakeholders that progress often requires overcoming traditional barriers.
In light of the situation, the Senator kindly urges Universities Australia to reconsider their stance on the sexual consent education initiative. It is not about prudishness but rather about fostering an inclusive and progressive environment that addresses the evolving needs of young adults on campuses.
It is essential to ensure that the allocated government funding of $1.5 million serves its intended purpose effectively. In the spirit of collaboration and responsibility, Senator Waters suggests that if Universities Australia is unable to fully commit to providing sexual consent education for their students, it may be prudent to consider returning the funds for other critical initiatives.
Senator Waters looks forward to a constructive and positive discussion with Universities Australia at the upcoming Senate Inquiry. The Senator firmly believes that together, we can take significant strides towards creating campuses that prioritize safety, respect, and inclusivity.
