Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Thursday 13 February 2025

Continued from Thursday 6 February 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Angie Bell (Moncrieff) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Bell supported the bill as a necessary measure to address gender-based violence, citing high rates of sexual assault and harassment found in the 2021 National Student Safety Survey. Bell criticised the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency for failing to hold universities accountable and questioned the education minister's leadership in this regard. Bell expressed concern that the bill established a new regulatory unit within the Department of Education rather than strengthening existing regulators. Despite these concerns, Bell affirmed the Coalition's commitment to improving campus safety and preventing gender-based violence.