Uni sex assault to be investigated by new ombudsman following Courier-Mail expose

The ‘most significant’ action plan to address gender-based violence at Queensland universities is underway, the Federal Education Minister has revealed.

Sexual assaults on university campuses will be investigated by a new national student ombudsman under the “most significant” change support groups have seen in years.

After meeting with state education ministers in Melbourne on Friday, Education Minister Jason Clare announced an action plan to address gender-based violence at universities.

The plan comes after a special Courier-Mail investigation revealed claims that Queensland students were being bullied and sexually assaulted while living on campus, as well as being forced into horrendous hazing rituals during O Week.

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare has announced an action plan to address gender-based violence at universities. Picture: Martin Ollman

“Not enough has been done to tackle sexual violence in our universities and for too long students haven’t been heard. That now changes,” Mr Clare said.

“The National Student Ombudsman will be independent and have the powers to investigate complaints and resolve disputes with universities.

End Rape on Campus director Sharna Bremner said the establishment of a ombudsman was a long-time coming.

“This is the most significant change we have seen in half a decade, and we have full faith the government will do what needs to be done,” she said.

Stop Campaign Chair Audrey Mims said she was really excited and it was great to have the outcome.

“We are really glad to have been included in the consultation process in the lead up to the release of the Action Plan. To finally feel like the perspectives of victim survivors and students have been listened to is incredible.”

Ms Mims said the Action Plan was a long time coming.

“For too long, universities have been getting away with not listening or responding to students and victim-survivors. This plan was made possible by the endless hours of work by volunteers, grassroots organisations and students and victim-survivors themselves.”

A University of Queensland spokesman said it strongly supported any measures to encourage a safe and respectful environment for students and does not tolerate misconduct.

“We will continue to work with government, the sector and our community to implement actions outlined in the report,” he said.

“The university’s work in this area is a high priority, with progress made through initiatives to improve prevention and response, enhancedsupport for victims/survivors and annual disclosure of data.”

A Queensland University of Technology spokeswoman said it welcomed the decision to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman to support all students.

“The university is committed to addressing this serious issue on campus and has undertaken many initiatives to ensure our students have the best experience possible at QUT,” she said.

“We will continue to work with our students, the government and our educators to ensure we are addressing this issue..”