Content note: This article discusses sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Twelve months ago, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor S Bruce Dowton, stood in front of staff and students and made a commitment: Macquarie would provide them with a safe and respectful environment.

With the launch of the Respect.Now.Always Action Plan last August, the Vice-Chancellor made it clear that gender-based discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual assault has no place at Macquarie University.

The RNA team, working with key partners across the University, got to work on the Action Plan: Rolling out a ‘Consent Matters’ online learning course to students; providing specialist training and workshops for students; developing training for staff; and working with students to co-create and deliver information to the student body.

Last Thursday 8 August, Professor Dowton once again stood in front of students and staff at the ‘Why Respect.Now.Always Matters’ event to report back on the progress of the Action Plan at the one-year mark, and to reaffirm Macquarie’s commitment to creating a culture of respect.

“All members of the Macquarie University community have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to work or study in a safe environment,” he said, reaffirming Macquarie’s commitment to zero tolerance of gender-based harassment and discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment and bullying. “This event is an opportunity to reflect on the University’s values and respect of relationships of all kinds, and what it means to belong to a true community.”

It is clear Professor Dowton is deeply committed to the RNA program. He commended the important groundwork being done in building a strong support network through ongoing dedication of the RNA team, sponsors and partners. He said continuing collaboration, and closing the feedback loop, will be key to sustaining incremental change and continuing to build trust.  He quoted Lieutenant General David Morrison ­– “the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept” ­– which resonated with the audience, and was later reinforced by panellist, Chris Miller, Academic Engagement Coordinator at Walanga Muru.

Professor Dowton reminded the University community that “we are all custodians for providing a safe and inclusive environment where students can learn and engage in a safe and truly transformative way.”

New staff and student policies

Professor Dowton also announced the completion of a key milestone in the Action Plan – the launch of the Student Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy and Staff Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy.

These new policies contribute to developing a culture around community, defining behaviours which are prohibited at our University. The policies also set out clear expectations and procedures around support, reporting, and responses to reports.

All Macquarie staff have a role to play in creating a culture of respect. As a staff member, you might be affected by discrimination, harassment or sexual assault in several ways – be it experiencing it yourself, witnessing it in your workplace or classroom, or supporting students or colleagues that are affected. It is important for all of us to be familiar with these new policies and understand our rights and obligations as University staff.

Staff policy – what you need to know

The new policy brings our community’s attention to the important society issue of workplace sexual harassment.

• The policy details what workplace sexual harassment is and how it might show up in our community.
• It articulates the rights, role and responsibilities of all staff and affiliates, and the part we all play in challenging problematic behaviours and building a culture of respect.
• The Staff Policy explains how staff can seek support and report sexual harassment.
• Mandatory training will soon be launched to support the roll-out and implementation of this policy. (For more information about training, please contact workplacediversityinclusion@mq.edu.au)

Read the Staff Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy >

Student policy – what you need to know

• The new policy removes some of the barriers students face in reporting and seeking support, with the introduction of reporting, including anonymous reporting via a simple online report form. This form can be used by any student or staff member to report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual harassment which involve students.
• The policy outlines the University’s responsibilities in providing support and responding to reports of sexual assault or sexual harassment of a student. If a student discloses to you as a staff member, it is important that you:
  • Consider the safety of the person disclosing to you, and your own safety. If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment yourself, you may feel that you are not the best person to disclose to. You can respectfully suggest they contact a support service.
  • Refer them to support services, such as Student Wellbeing or NSW Rape Crisis Centre.
  • Respect the decisions made by the person who has experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment about what to do next.
  • Show understanding to the person who has disclosed to you. You can acknowledge that what happened is not their fault and that you believe them.
  • Look after yourself. Hearing a disclosure of sexual assault or sexual harassment can be difficult. You can contact the University’s Employee Assistance Provider or NSW Rape Crisis Centre for support.
• There are some situations where you are required to make a report if a student discloses to you. If the student is under the age of 18, you must contact Student Wellbeing to discuss the situation and seek advice, or if the disclosure raises serious concerns about the current safety of the student.
• If you are unsure whether you must report an incident, contact Student Wellbeing, the RNA team (respect@mq.edu.au), or your Human Resources Client Relationships representative.