Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Education introduced legislation to establish a National Higher Education Code aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence in universities. The bill creates a regulatory framework with enforcement powers, including civil penalties, and requires institutions to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and trauma-informed responses. It also mandates that universities investigate incidents occurring in affiliated student accommodation and prohibits non-disclosure agreements unless requested by the victim. The debate concluded with the motion being moved, though no opposition speeches were recorded in the provided transcript.

   Outcome: The Minister moved that the bill be read a second time, and the debate was adjourned.

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2. Thursday 13 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the introduction of a national code to address gender-based violence in higher education. The Coalition supported the bill's core objective but moved an amendment to extend protections to antisemitism. Angie Bell argued that while the bill was necessary due to regulatory failures, it should also address the significant rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses. The amendment sought to establish a separate code for antisemitism and ensure compliance with National Student Ombudsman recommendations.

   Outcome: The transcript does not state the final result of the vote on the amendment or the bill.

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3. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the introduction of a National Higher Education Code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in universities. Senator Katy Gallagher moved the second reading, outlining the bill's provisions for mandatory prevention strategies, trauma-informed responses, and strict compliance monitoring. The legislation establishes a new regulatory framework with enforcement powers, including civil penalties for non-compliance. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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4. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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5. Monday 28 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation establishing a national code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in higher education. The government and Greens strongly supported the bill, citing high rates of sexual assault and harassment and the failure of existing regulators like TEQSA. The Coalition supported the bill's principles but raised concerns about placing regulatory power within the Department of Education rather than an independent body. The Coalition also moved an amendment to include antisemitism in the code, which the Greens opposed, arguing it was an attempt to suppress free speech regarding Palestine. The debate concluded with the Coalition supporting the bill subject to their amendment.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a vote was recorded.

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6. Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation establishing a national code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in higher education. Government senators argued the bill addresses systemic failures by creating a standalone regulatory framework with enforceable standards and a new specialist unit within the Department of Education. Opposition senators supported the bill's core purpose but raised concerns about placing regulatory power within the department rather than strengthening the independent regulator TEQSA. They moved a second reading amendment to extend the code to cover antisemitism, citing a crisis of safety for Jewish students, which was not adopted.

   Outcome: The bills were passed, and the second reading amendment to include antisemitism was not adopted.

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7. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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8. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation establishing a national code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in higher education. Labor senators argued the bills were necessary to address high rates of sexual assault and harassment, citing poor university responses and the need for accountability. The government rejected a second reading amendment regarding antisemitism, stating it would await independent reports before acting. The bills were defeated in a division vote.

   Outcome: The bills were not passed, with 25 senators voting against and 33 voting for.

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9. Monday 25 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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10. Monday 25 August 2025 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    Members debated the Universities Accord Bills aimed at establishing a national code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in Australian higher education. The government and crossbench supported the legislation for improving safety and accountability, while the Coalition raised concerns about regulatory independence and moved an amendment regarding antisemitism. Minister Jason Clare addressed the amendment by noting existing mechanisms, and the amendment was subsequently defeated in a division. The bills were ultimately defeated in a final division with 46 votes against and 87 votes for.

    Outcome: The bills were not passed, with a division result of 46 votes against and 87 votes for.

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11. Monday 25 August 2025 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    The Minister for Education introduced legislation to establish a national code preventing and responding to gender-based violence in higher education. The bill creates enforceable standards for universities, including mandatory prevention plans, trauma-informed responses, and prohibitions on non-disclosure agreements. It also establishes a specialist branch within the Department of Education to monitor compliance and enforce penalties. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned.

    Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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