The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has commended federal and state governments for listening to university staff’s plea to crack down on sexual harassment and violence.
The Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education
released by Australia’s education ministers on Friday was informed by consultation with NTEU members.
It comes after university managements refused to address sexual harassment and violence, which have reached crisis levels on campuses across the nation.
NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes welcomed the release of the national action plan.
“NTEU members should be extremely proud of their efforts in contributing to this national action plan, which has the potential to make an enormous difference to the insidious scourge of sexual harassment at universities,” she said.
“For years our union has been saying enough is enough, while university leaders have downplayed, ignored or even denied there was a problem in their institutions.
“Our research has shown a shocking rise in sexual harassment of staff, with one in three survey respondents reporting they had personally experienced harassment.
“We are now seeing governments taking concrete actions to stamp out sexual violence towards staff and students because of an abject failure by university bosses to do something.
“It’s important to acknowledge the enormous amount of staff who have been the victims of inappropriate and at times criminal behaviour.
“Universities must give this national plan their unqualified support if they are serious about ending sexual harassment and violence towards staff.”
