Sex abuse in universities could see fines for institutions under Labor government

UNIVERSITIES and residential colleges could face significant fines if they fail to protect their students from rampant sexual harassment under a Labor plan.

UNIVERSITIES and residential colleges could face significant fines if they fail to protect their students from rampant sexual harassment.

Federal Opposition education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek will today announce that Labor, if elected, plans to force universities to end the “shocking” campus culture of harassment and hazing.

It is believed the Opposition is considering financial penalties and even new laws to compel universities and residential colleges to act.

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Tanya Plibersek will today announce that Labor, if elected, plans to force universities to end the “shocking” campus culture of harassment. Picture: AAP

It follows a landmark Australian Human Rights Commission report which found half of university students had been sexually harassed.

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“For too long, we have heard the same excuses. The time for excuses, for talk, is over,” Ms Plibersek will say.

“If university residential colleges can’t provide a safe environment, universities should make them. If universities can’t ensure colleges are safe, they should sever links with them.”

“If some residential colleges and universities refuse to treat this seriously, governments must make them.”

A report by activist group “End Rape on Campus” this week exposed violent hazing rituals and sexual assaults.