In recent days we have seen national and international events cause significant worry and distress to members of the Macquarie University community.
The result of the Voice referendum has left many people wondering how our nation will tackle long-standing inequalities in economic, social, education and health outcomes, as well as how to achieve true reconciliation.
Over the last week, we have witnessed the recurrence of escalated hostilities and atrocities in the Middle East with senseless loss of life and devastation of communities. At the same time, the ongoing and entrenched conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to wreak havoc.
These matters all closely touch many members of our University community.
This is a time when I urge that we surround all individuals of the Macquarie family who are touched by current national and world events with our thoughtful support and concern. In doing so, I also urge that we continue to provide a safe, respectful and secure environment for all members of the University.
I crave that we can each draw strength from being part of an organisation that respects the richness of cultures, histories and religious beliefs of all in our community. In particular, at this time, I ask that we are especially attentive to those members of our community with ties to Israel and Palestine, and those with ties to Ukraine and Russia. I also ask that we support all First Nations members of our community as the results of the Voice referendum settle across the nation.
As national and world events play out, there will be a range of strongly held and divergent views on the various sides of the issues at hand. I urge that we express those views about what is happening in a respectful way, always thinking of how what we say or do might affect other members of the Macquarie University community.
As always, the University has support in place for staff and students, as well as policies designed to promote respectful debate.
Wellbeing support for staff
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a confidential counselling service, which is free for all Macquarie University and entity staff and their immediate family members. Call Benestar on 1300 360 364 or create a BeneHub account to access EAP services anywhere, anytime.
Wellbeing support for students
The University has multiple supports in place for students affected by current events. These have been summarised on our student crisis-support page, which is being shared with students today. Teaching staff may also like to share this link with their students.
Students can also connect with support from our Student Wellbeing team by submitting an online CARE report or can contact the GP Service at MQ Health. Students located outside Australia can find mental health support contacts listed on our website.
Racist, discriminatory or unwanted behaviour
Macquarie University is committed to maintaining an inclusive and safe campus environment for all staff and students. Unlawful discrimination, bullying and harassment is not tolerated at Macquarie, as documented in the Staff Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct and the Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policy.
If you experience (or witness) racist, bullying or unwanted behaviour on campus, or on University-hosted digital platforms, you can seek support as outlined on the following pages:
- Unwanted staff behaviour (Diversity and Inclusion – Help and Support)
- Unwanted student behaviour (Student care and reporting > Inappropriate behaviour)
Public comment and respectful debate
Universities play an important role in fostering informed and educated discussion of social and political issues. Academic staff contributing to these discussions in the public sphere are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the relevant University policies:
The Group Marketing Communications Team provides support for staff who are unsure about how to respond to a media request for information or comment (email communications@mq.edu.au).
I encourage members of our community to look after each other and reach out to any University services that might be helpful at this time.
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