The Australian Department of Education allocated $2.7 million to fund a comprehensive 12-month review of Australia's higher education system, known as the Australian Universities Accord. The primary objective of this initiative is to formulate recommendations and targets aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of higher education in the long term. Notably, higher education institutions will be mandated to establish a 'Student Support Policy.' While the overarching purpose of this policy has garnered a positive reception, the specific details regarding requirements and reporting protocols are still pending finalisation. In November, a draft action plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education proposed the creation of a National Student Ombudsman intended is to provide a trauma-informed and appropriately experienced avenue for handling escalated student complaints related to an institution's processes or the handling of sexual misconduct complaints. ANZSSA has led in 2023:

Over past 18 months ANZSSA has revised its constitution, and strategic priorities and has commenced work overhauling its web presence and communication channels which will continue into early 2024. 

Invested in revitalising JANZSSA which has seen a significant increase in readership and started to expand our membership reach.

ANZSSA collaborated with several sector networks in July to participate in ACCORD Insights through an Equity Lens workshop.  The workshop was organised by UniSTARS and EPHEA and included panel of 14 different sector leaders and included a brief overview by Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Chair, Higher Education Accord Panel.

ANZSSA was invited to participate in the Government’s Stakeholder Reference Group on gender-based violence in university communities which was co-chaired by Patty Kinnersly CEO Our Watch, alongside our sector leaders, accommodation providers, student and victim-survivor advocate groups and community experts.

ANZSSA conference held in Parramatta, NSW with over 200 delegates coming together for first time in 3 years.

Held an online forum (14th December) for ANZSSA members which provides an overview of the Accord and Support for Students Policy and offers the opportunity to participate in a collaborative design-thinking jam to consider opportunities for the future year.

Our next Directors of Student Services ANZ meeting will be hosted by Griffith University, Gold Coast on Feb 8-9, 2024.