Invitation for submissions to University's external review of policies and processes

The University of Sydney's full statement and additional information is below.

Many in our community have been deeply distressed by the events of 7 October 2023, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the reverberations that are being felt around the world.

We are committed to ensuring that the University has:

• a campus that is safe and welcoming for all students and staff;
• appropriate processes and policies in place targeted at preventing discrimination and harassment;
• effective protocols and practices to deal with allegations and acts of racism, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or unlawful harassment;
• processes and policies that reflect best practice, and are fit for purpose and the times.

In providing a safe and welcoming environment for all in our community, we also must be in a position to ensure our unwavering commitment to free speech and academic freedom as core principles of the University.

The University has commissioned an external review to ensure that going forward its processes and policies are appropriate and accord with applicable standards. This review will be conducted by Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC, a preeminent Senior Counsel in New South Wales with relevant expertise including in health and safety.

We invite students, staff and interested members of the community to make a submission to the external review. We would like to hear about your experience since 7 October 2023 in relation to the matters outlined above to which the University is committed including what is working well, areas for improvement, and any suggested steps the University might take to ensure its campus is a safe, respectful and inclusive place for all students and staff.  

How to make a submission

Please send your submission to [email protected].

Submissions will close at 5pm on 23 September 2024.

Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC may, in his discretion, share information provided in these submissions to the University of Sydney for the purposes of the external review.

Frequently asked questions

Will the University of Sydney receive a copy of my submission?
Any submission made to the external review will be received by Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC at [email protected]. The University of Sydney will not have access to this email address.

Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC may, in his discretion, disclose information provided in these submissions to the University of Sydney.

Will my submission be made public?
There is no intention to make the submissions publicly available. Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC may, in his discretion, disclose information provided in these submissions to the University of Sydney.

In certain circumstances disclosure of the submissions may be required by law.

Can I make an anonymous submission?
Yes. If you are making an anonymous submission, please clearly outline the basis for the matters set out in the submission and any supporting material.

Can I make a confidential submission?
Yes. Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC will not share any confidential submissions with the University unless required by law.

In certain circumstances, disclosure of the submissions may be required by law. While reasonable steps will be taken to protect confidentiality, it cannot be guaranteed.

Please minimise the disclosure of personal information and do not provide personal information in relation to third parties without their consent.

Will I receive a response to my submission?
You will receive an automatically generated response acknowledging receipt when sending your submission to the email address but otherwise no.

How will I know that my submission has been taken into account?
Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC will consider all submissions lodged by the deadline. He will take submissions into account as he considers relevant for the purpose of the external review. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

Can I request a meeting with Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC?
Yes. As part of your submission you can request a meeting with Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC. Meetings will be held in the week of 30 September 2024.

Please ensure that your submission clearly outlines the matters you would like to address at the meeting. Meetings will be prioritised and allocated on the basis of this information and are not guaranteed.

What will happen following completion of the external review?
The University intends to publish a report by Mr Hodgkinson AM SC on the external review. As a place of learning, we will consider any improvements as part of our ongoing commitment to ensure a safe environment for all.