The DOSSANZ network focussed on the establishment of the new Australian National Student Ombudsman, as recommended by the Universities Accord Review. The conversation was part of the Australian Government’s consultation with key stakeholders on the National Student Ombudsman.  

 

Government representatives who joined the meeting included:

• Maddy Parker, Director of the Regulatory Design and Implementation Branch, Department of Education.
• Kirsten Abe, Director, Security Law and Policy Branch, Attorney-General’s Department
• Jillian Craven, Director of Policy, Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

 

The establishment of a National Student Ombudsman is the first action in the Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education, agreed upon by Education Ministers in February 2024. The Action Plan recognises the leading role the higher education sector can play in preventing gender-based violence and setting an example for appropriate, trauma-informed responses to victim-survivors