TEQSA is working to develop updated guidance to support compliance with provider obligations under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
Our work is focused on supporting universities and other higher education providers to assure themselves that discussion around contested ideas does not risk student and staff wellbeing and safety, while being cognisant of the sector’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom.
This is part of TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve system responses to these issues within Australia’s higher education sector.
TEQSA’s current work is focused on:
- identifying and sharing best practice
- updating guidance materials for higher education providers
- developing statements of regulatory expectations about student grievances and complaints processes and academic adjustment/special consideration policies
- continuing to engage with stakeholders including students, providers and other government agencies and experts.
Roundtable meetings – October and November 2024
To support the development of updated guidance, TEQSA is holding roundtable meetings in October and November 2024.
Invitees to these meetings include universities, students and other stakeholders, including the National Student Ombudsman, Australian Human Rights Commission, Universities Australia, the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia and the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia.
TEQSA social cohesion roundtable with vice-chancellors on 31 October 2024
TEQSA social cohesion roundtable with university managers on 15 November 2024
Guidance materials
TEQSA expects to undertake consultation on updated regulatory guidance from early 2025.
- Interim sector update: Regulatory expectations of providers to assure safety and wellbeing on campus in relation to student protests
- Letter to all providers – 4 October 2024
- Letter to all universities – 7 August 2024
- Letter to all universities – 5 June 2024
- Letter to all providers – 9 May 2024
- Guidance note: Diversity and equity
- Guidance note: Grievance and complaint handling
- Guidance note: Wellbeing and safety
Stay informed
Updates on this work, including consultation opportunities, will be communicated via TEQSA’s website, our monthly e-News and social media channels. Be sure to sign up to our e-News to keep informed.
If you have any questions about this work, please email socialcohesion@teqsa.gov.au.