Staff forced to leave Monash University over sexual misconduct allegations

New figures have revealed how many staff were forced to leave Monash University over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Six staff members were forced to leave Monash University last year over allegations of sexual misconduct.

One staff member was accused of sexual assault, while nine others were reported for alleged sexual harassment.

Three of the 10 staff members who had complaints levelled against them resigned before an investigation could be carried out.

The university terminated the employment of a further three staff and one was disciplined.

The other three staff did not face any further action, as one allegation was made against a deceased staff member and another was made anonymously.

It comes after the Herald Sun last month revealed five staff members were forced to leave the University of Melbourne over sexual misconduct allegations.

The university’s first Sexual Misconduct Annual Report revealed nine complaints were made against staff last year.

One Monash University staff member was accused of sexual assault, while nine others were reported for alleged sexual harassment. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A Monash University spokeswoman told the Herald Sun that disciplinary action was halted in cases where accused staff were no longer employed by the university.

“These complaints were all dealt with in accordance with our relevant policies, procedures and enterprise agreement,” she said.

“Serious sexual misconduct matters are reported to the police where the complainant wishes to do so, to ensure the complainant is in control of who an incident is reported to and what actions are taken.”

The spokeswoman said Monash University was committed to stamping out inappropriate sexual behaviour.

“Monash University takes matters of workplace safety with the utmost seriousness.

“We are committed to creating a place of work and study that is free from sexual and gender-based violence and achieving a culture that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all.”

Monash University has been reporting publicly on complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault since 2017, and promotes “advice, support and reporting channels” to staff and students.

An online module dubbed “Respect at Monash” is mandatory for all staff and students to complete and will eventually lock students out of their online learning hub, if not completed within a set time frame.

In March, the landmark National Student Safety Survey revealed that 1 in 20 students had been sexually assaulted since starting university, and almost half had been sexually harassed.