Young Liberals investigated over Red Zone report ripping

The NSW Liberal leader has ordered an investigation into young party members at the University of Sydney who mocked reports detailing misconduct at university colleges in the wake of a hazing incident.

Pieces of the Red Zone report torn up during the student council meeting. Picture: Supplied

NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman has announced Young Liberals who ripped up reports detailing misconduct at Australian university colleges in the wake of a disturbing hazing incident will be investigated.

A number of students allegedly affiliated with the party were videoed tearing up copies of the Red Zone report – a 2018 investigation into sexual violence and hazing at university colleges – at a University of Sydney student council meeting on Wednesday.

The unedifying display occurred during a representative’s speech, which mentioned a recent hazing incident involving University of Sydney students at St Paul’s College.

A male student was subjected to a mock trial and gagged with a sex toy, with six students expelled and 21 suspended from the college over the incident.

On Friday, NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman slammed the students involved.

The report ripping incident.

The report ripping incident.

“Any mocking of a report about disgusting behaviour is in itself disgusting behaviour,” Mr Speakman said.

“I have asked the state director to urgently investigate.”

The University of Sydney is investigating the students involved. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

A senior Liberal source added there was no doubt the students who ripped up the reports would have to be reprimanded and “dealt with”.

The university’s deputy vice chancellor Joanne Wright said the university was deeply disappointed and expected higher standards from their students.

“Any behaviour that mocks victim survivors or ignores the impact of trauma resulting from sexual misconduct is absolutely unacceptable and we are initiating an immediate inquiry,” Prof Wright said.

Student representatives and student-led groups are required to abide by the institution’s policies and codes of conduct.

“We don’t hesitate to take action if we determine there has been a breach,” Prof Wright said.  

Liberal MP Jacqui Munro – who is the youngest Liberal woman ever elected to the NSW Legislative Council – cancelled a speaking engagement with the university’s Conservative Club, of which some of the Liberal councillors are members, in the wake of the incident.

NSW Young Liberals president Chanum Torres said he welcomed the investigation.

“We take matters of women’s safety very seriously,” Mr Torres said.

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