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policy & reform require sustained and strong leadership in higher education institutions and evidence-based programs to prevent and respond to sexual harm .”
A NATIONAL INDEPENDENT TASK FORCE
The committee made an urgent and unanimous recommendation that the federal government establish an independent task force to hold universities accountable for sexual violence on campus .
The committee said of the university sector , “ Numerous students have been irreparably , needlessly and inexcusably harmed , including ( shamefully ) through the response of universities .”
“ Current processes for reporting sexual violence in a university setting are re-traumatising students – particularly those living in residential halls ,” STOP Campaign founder and director Camille Schloeffel told Campus Review .
Queensland senator and committee chair Paul Scarr said that evidence shows the sector cannot be trusted to improve its response , and an independent taskforce with “ effective powers ” would be the “ strong intervention ” needed .
Education Minister Jason Clare has not yet confirmed whether the government ’ s 2019 election campaign promise to establish an independent task force will go ahead .
The committee took a strong stance on Minister Clare ’ s working group , which was set up to investigate sexual violence on campus , stating that ,“ The committee understands that a working group will be convened to advise the education ministers … the time for ‘ working groups ’ has passed .”
“ The task force would ideally have the power to regulate and implement sanctions against universities if needed to ensure transparent reporting and effective prevention and responses to sexual violence on campus ,” EROC Australia founder Sharna Bremner told Campus Review .
RESOURCES FOR VICTIM-SURVIVORS
The committee has recommended that state and territory governments develop and deliver “ education and awareness ” materials informing victim-survivors how a formal complaint would be reviewed and acted on .
According to the report , such materials should complement existing pilot projects and initiatives and be developed based on ongoing research funded by the federal government into the prevalence of sexual violence in Australia and the impact of responses to it .
The Australian Universities Accord will consider the Senate inquiry and subsequent report as it seeks to implement systemic change across the higher education sector .
The Accord released its interim report in July and will deliver its final report in December . ■
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The laTesT news and resources for professionals in The higher educaTion indusTry
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