The Universities Accord (National Student Ombudsman) Bill 2024 establishes a National Student Ombudsman within the Commonwealth Ombudsman's office to address longstanding concerns about how universities handle student complaints.

This legislation responds directly to findings in the 2021 National Student Safety Survey that 16.1% of university students had experienced sexual harassment and 4.5% had been sexually assaulted since starting university. The Ombudsman is the first action in the government's Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education and fulfils recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord.

The Ombudsman will have broad powers to deal with complaints from current, prospective and former students about any action taken by higher education providers (excluding academic judgments, staff employment matters, and VET courses).

The office can investigate complaints, conduct own-motion investigations into systemic issues, refer complaints back to universities with recommendations, use alternative dispute resolution, facilitate restorative engagement processes, and compel universities to participate in investigations.

When universities fail to adequately respond to recommendations, the Ombudsman can request reports be tabled in Parliament, creating significant accountability for institutions. The government has allocated $19.4 million over two years to establish the Ombudsman, which has received bipartisan support.

• Provides students with an independent complaints mechanism when universities fail them

• Can investigate allegations of sexual violence, discrimination, and safety concerns

• Powers include requesting documentation, conducting interviews, and making binding recommendations

• Annual public reporting on complaint trends and systemic issues

• Complements the upcoming National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence

[1] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd2425/25bd017

[2] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-01/student-ombudsman-university-uni-complaint-australia/104883396

[3] https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/sick-of-begging-to-feel-safe-new-watchdog-to-ensure-student-safety-on-campus/2ykev52we

[4] https://www.education.gov.au/national-student-ombudsman