Ms LEY (Farrer—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (09:07): I rise today to address the minister's statement on sexual assault and harassment on university campuses. We welcome the appointment of Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, as the sexual violence prevention expert to lead the working group on university governance. Concerningly, sexual assault and harassment is occurring in homes, in workplaces, in schools and on university campuses. For universities, it is affecting a student's wellbeing and their ability to succeed. According to the national student survey 2021, one in 20 students had been sexually assaulted since starting university, with 1.1 per cent having been sexually assaulted in the past 12 months. The survey also found that one in two students had experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lifetime, with one in six having been sexually harassed since starting their studies. This report also found that just 5.6 per cent of students who had experienced sexual assault and three per cent who had experienced sexual harassment had made a formal report or complaint to their university. Of those who reported sexual assault in 2021, less than one-third were satisfied with the university's processes. For those reporting sexual harassment, 41.3 per cent of reporters were satisfied with the university's processes. These figures show that thousands of students are not seeking out or receiving the support they need in the wake of serious sexual incidents. In fact, more than half of students participating in the survey knew very little or nothing about their university's sexual assault and harassment policies. Almost half knew nothing or very little about where they could seek support or assistance within the university. Behind these statistics are real people with real experiences of harassment and assault and, overwhelmingly, it is women who have faced these experiences. One woman said: Going to university I dealt with men stalking me online and following my class timetable at uni to know where I was when I [ tried to ] avoid them. Another said: Some of my group [ assignment ] members also made me uncomfortable (making sexist comments about women , asking inappropriate personal questions , unwanted physical contact) but when I told the lecturer , nothing was done about it, so I just dropped the course. Yet another said: I a m a young woman who has studied in a massively male - dominated field . I often face d comments from fellow students and lecturers about my physical appearance , ranging from unnecessary compliments to sexual and degrading comments. At times , when I have rejected the romantic advances from other students, I have been threatened to have my name slandered , which has the potential to be greatly harmful to my academic career. I have also had men engage in intimidating behaviours after my rejection of them. I constantly fear being " too nice " . We also know there are even more horrific experiences. One woman said: I experienced sexual assault in the form of overly sexual hugs [from fellow students]. I would consent to a hug, then be held in place while felt up and hands put under my shirt. Another said: I have been both sexually harassed and [sexually] assaulted by two male peers in my medicine course. Medicine is supposed to be full of people with integrity but here I was put in non-consenting situations twice. Another woman said: I was raped when I was 17 and first enrolled at university. Another said: I was also raped on my university campus. I was highly intoxicated and was falling asleep and waking up multiple times during the assault. Women have a right to feel safe and to be safe on university campuses—and so too do men, and we know this issue is all too present right across universities—just as they have a right to feel safe and to be safe in our workplaces, on our streets and in our homes. Reading these experiences into the Hansard is jarring, but we simply cannot resile from the difficult conversations on this issue, because we need to do better. How many have had their lives and dreams forever changed because of the actions of perpetrators? How many doctors or scientists have we lost? How many discoveries or inventions have been missed because we failed to help our students pursue their potential in a safe environment? These experiences are a clear reminder that we must do better and we must step up. Creating a culture of safety requires that survivors have the means to come forward without fear and with support. Clear and accessible reporting mechanisms are essential. Some universities have stronger policies than others, but, given the seriousness of both the issue and the student statistics being reported, it is clear that more must be done to protect and support students. It is vital that universities increase access to counselling, legal guidance, medical services and mental health resources. It is also vital that students are made aware of these resources and are encouraged to use them, not just at the start of their course or semester but throughout. Equally important is training staff and faculty to provide compassionate, trauma informed support that helps survivors heal and regain control of their lives. The pursuit of justice cannot be compromised. Universities must be required to not only have internal policies but also publish data in relation to complaints about student's safety, including sexual assaults. Without data, progress is uncertain and evidence based policies to combat this serious issue are much harder to formulate. More research into campus sexual assault and the effectiveness of different prevention strategies is essential if we are to ensure that all students are safe on campus. Addressing this issue requires cultural change. Leaders at all levels—administrators, faculty and student leaders—must champion a safe and respectful campus culture. Students need to see universities taking strong action. Let us not lose sight of the broader picture. Ending sexual assaults on university campuses and in our communities is a collective responsibility. It's a call to action which requires every university to recommit itself to this goal. Only by redoubling our efforts can we shape a future where every student can thrive in an environment free from fear, harassment and assault. Sexual assault continues to cast a dark shadow over our campuses, shattering the sense of security and wellbeing that should be inherent. The imperative to address this issue head-on is clear, as the safety and dignity of every member of our community is important. To combat this challenge, we must increase awareness and education of both the issue and the supports in place for people who seek help. We need to ignite conversations that emphasise the importance of consent, respect and zero tolerance for any form of harassment. Incorporating consent education into orientation programs and curricula will empower each student with the knowledge and skills to foster a culture of respect. Students must be safe and feel safe on campus. It's as simple as that. I thank the minister, and I thank the House.