On September 18, 2023, the Australian National University (ANU) campus in Canberra became the scene of a harrowing incident that sent shockwaves through the higher education community. Two 20-year-old female students were stabbed in a random attack on Fellows Oval, a popular open space near the Chifley Library. The assailant, Alex Ophel, a 24-year-old former ANU student with a history of mental illness, allegedly struck first with a frying pan before wielding a knife. One victim suffered multiple stab wounds and was initially in critical condition, while the second was chased and stabbed as she fled. Two male students were also assaulted, one hit on the head with the pan.

The attack unfolded in broad daylight during lunch hour, highlighting vulnerabilities in open campus areas. Emergency services responded swiftly, with campus security arriving in four minutes and police taking Ophel into custody 11 minutes later. Both female victims required hospitalization, one in intensive care, but fortunately recovered physically after months of treatment. Their psychological scars, however, remain profound, with one victim testifying in court that she 'will never feel safe again' and is 'riddled with flashbacks.'

ANU's Immediate Response and Victim Support

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Genevieve Bell and Chancellor Julie Bishop expressed profound shock, emphasizing the university's commitment to safety. Bishop later criticized authorities for not sharing critical information about Ophel's risk status, stating the university could have bolstered security had they known. The institution activated its crisis response, providing counseling through ANU Counselling services—a free, confidential resource for enrolled students—and encouraged community members to seek help.

Victims received comprehensive medical and psychological support. Families praised first responders but voiced frustration over systemic failures. ANU suspended non-essential activities briefly and communicated transparently via email and its website, underscoring its 'safety first' ethos.

Legal Outcome: A Lifetime in Secure Care

In December 2025, the ACT Supreme Court found Ophel not guilty by reason of mental impairment (NGMI) on two counts of attempted murder and assaults. Chief Justice Lucy McCallum imposed a nominated life sentence in a secure mental health facility, noting his chronic, treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Ophel had masked symptoms effectively, fooling professionals, and had premeditated the attack despite recent reports of violent fantasies. The judge remarked he 'may never be safe for release into the community,' shattering the victims' lives in a 'vicious, unprovoked' assault.

Ophel's history included a 2020 ANU attack with a baseball bat, also NGMI, leading to over 10 years in care. Released on day leave for a bushwalk from Gawanggal Mental Health Unit, he instead retrieved weapons from home. This raised questions about leave protocols for NGMI patients.

Chief Psychiatrist's Review and Mental Health Reforms

ACT Chief Psychiatrist Dr. Dinesh Arya launched a review, releasing a report in February 2024 with 35 recommendations. No major service failings were found, but gaps in legislation, clinical assessments, and leave processes for NGMI individuals under the Mental Health Act 2015 were identified. Key suggestions included forensic psychiatric reports for tribunals, regular risk assessments every three months, carer involvement, and clearer apprehension powers for breaches. The ACT Government accepted most, forming a taskforce for implementation.Chief Psychiatrist Report (PDF)

For universities, this underscores the need for coordination with health services on high-risk individuals, potentially influencing campus access policies.

ANU's Security Overhaul: From Patrols to Tech Upgrades

ANU acted decisively: boosting patrols, reviewing arrangements, upgrading emergency communications, and revising response policies. Scenario-based exercises in 2024 tested readiness, while partnerships with ACT Police improved strategies and allowed training on campus. Current features include CCTV, UniSafe officers, lighting, emergency phones, and controls—now fortified post-incident.

Bishop advocated to government, ensuring long-term changes. These steps align with best practices like physical barriers and access controls seen in other unis post-incidents.

Campus Safety Landscape in Australian Higher Education

While stabbings are rare, the 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) across 38 universities revealed concerning trends: 4.5% of students sexually assaulted since enrolling (1.1% past year), 16.1% harassed (8.1% past year). Females, LGBTQ+, disabled students, and those in accommodation face higher risks. Only 5.6% report assaults formally, citing barriers like proof issues.2021 NSSS National Report (PDF)

Other Incidents and National Trends

The ANU event echoes a July 2024 stabbing at University of Sydney, where a 14-year-old allegedly attacked a 22-year-old student, prompting a lockdown and counter-terror probe. New laws from January 2026 mandate universities prevent gender-based violence (GBV), including reporting and staff disclosures. Only 15 of 39 unis publicly report data, highlighting transparency gaps.

• Increased patrols and CCTV in high-traffic areas.
• Mental health integration with security teams.
• Bystander training programs.

Mental Health Support: A Critical Pillar

Australian universities offer counseling (e.g., ANU's free service), but demand outstrips supply. Post-ANU, emphasis grew on distress identification and referrals to Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). Reforms target NGMI leave risks, vital as student mental health crises rise amid post-COVID pressures.

Photo by Natalie Parham on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook

Students demand more lighting and escorts; staff call for info-sharing protocols. Unis Australia pushes NSSS 2026 for updated data. Actionable insights: Adopt risk templates, AI surveillance ethically, foster reporting cultures. With GBV regulator incoming, Australian higher education eyes safer horizons—balancing openness with vigilance.