Respect. Now. Always.

In July 2023 Macquarie University launched a new online education unit for all students currently studying with us. Safer Communities @ MQ helps foster a safer environment by helping students understand important aspects of relationships.

The unit covers:

• consent in relationships
• what constitutes a healthy relationship
• sex education including safer sex, STI prevention and testing
• alcohol and drug safety
• information about reporting and support and security services.

All Macquarie staff and students can access and complete the Safer Communities @ MQ course on iLearn.

Sextember is Macquarie's annual sex-positive festival that embraces and educates our community on safe, healthy and respectful relationships with themselves and others.

Macquarie University was one of four Australian Universities selected to take part in the E-Safety pilot program launched through Universities Australia and the E-Safety Commissioner. The project aims to improve online safety for Macquarie staff and students by first developing an understanding of online safety, and then creating an action plan to implement online safety changes across the university experience from students to staff.

Respect. Now. Always. Action Plan (2018–2020)

The Action Plan 2018-2020 outlined Macquarie’s response to the recommendations set out in Change the Course, as well as other sector reports. Describing the priorities and actions for RNA, it was developed in consultation with students and staff.

The Action Plan 2018-2020 can be accessed in two formats:

• Download the Action Plan PDF.
• Download the Action Plan Word document.

Macquarie is looking to establish a renewed action plan following roll-out of the National Student Safety Survey across Australia's universities in September 2021.

Education with students

The Student Equity and Inclusion team coordinate workshops and resources for students in the area of gender-based violence prevention and response. Our workshops are free for all Macquarie students to join and provide opportunities for students to develop skills which will help build a safer and more inclusive community for all. For more information contact the team at respect@mq.edu.au.

Student Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy

The Student Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy removes some of the barriers students face in reporting and seeking support, with the introduction of reporting, including anonymous reporting via a simple online report form: Report inappropriate or unwanted behaviour. This form can be used by any student or staff member to report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual harassment which involve students.

The Student Policy outlines behaviours which are not accepted by Macquarie University, what consent means in relation to those behaviours, how reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment concerning students can be made to the University, and how the University will respond to a report about sexual assault or sexual harassment committed by a student.

In 2022 the policy was revised and updated to reflect the introduction of  “affirmative consent” in NSW criminal law, and to make the policy more readable and effective.

Staff Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy

The Staff Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy brings our community’s attention to the important issue of workplace sexual harassment.

The Staff Policy details what workplace sexual harassment is and how it might show up in our community. It articulates the rights, role and responsibilities of all staff and affiliates, and the part we all play in challenging problematic behaviours and building a culture of respect.

The Staff Policy also explains how staff can seek support and report sexual harassment.