Wagga university student calls out need for taskforce to deal with sexual assault at university

A Labor government would introduce a task force to hold universities to account for sexual assault and harassment on their campuses, introducing severe penalties for failing to address the "disturbingly" common problem, Fairfax Media reported. 

Sam Laurie has just finished up his final year at Charles Sturt University and questioned the need to enact financial retribution. 

“If universities care more about their finances than their students they need to rethink why they are here,” he said.

“If that’s what it takes, I’m sure all students will welcome more safety, but be disappointed that it was financially motivated.” 

Mr Laurie said sexual harrassment is a nationwide issue. 

“I’ve spoken to friends at other universities and they all have the same issues,” he said.

“Many students on the ground are trying to make positive changes and are giving the universities plenty of suggestions but they are either slowly implemented or brushed off for what feels like a band-aid solution so the administration can say they are doing something. 

“When I was part of the SRC I was involved in a cross-campus group that discusses the issue of sexual assault on campus with the administration.”

Mr Laurie said the students involved gave suggestions for both campuses specific and university-wide changes but they haven’t seen much substantial action.

Short of suspending funding, less severe penalties could include naming and shaming universities or withholding their registration as educational providers until specific actions are taken.

Mackenzie Bond, 18, a first-year student at CSU, said it is unfortunate that the government feel the need to have such a task force, but many people have faced sexual harassment. 

“I have female and male friends who have dealt with this,” she said.

“What I’m worried about is, that it’s acceptable and encouraged to go too far and push boundaries.

“I think there definitely needs to be a system put in place that can handle this properly in the best interest of those affected.” 

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