Michele Clark's Appointment as Leader of Australia's Higher Education GBV Regulator

The Australian Department of Education has appointed Michele Clark as Assistant Secretary of the Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator (GBV Regulator), a pivotal role aimed at transforming campus safety across universities and colleges. This appointment, highlighted in recent government announcements, underscores a national commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education.

Gender-based violence, encompassing sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and intimate partner violence, has long plagued Australian higher education institutions. Clark's leadership comes at a critical juncture as the Regulator enforces the newly legislated National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, effective from January 1, 2026, for public universities.

The Establishment and Mandate of the GBV Regulator

The GBV Regulator was created under the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Act 2025, passed by Parliament on August 27, 2025. Positioned within the Department of Education, it holds higher education providers accountable for compliance with the National Code—a set of seven legally enforceable standards designed to prevent GBV and ensure trauma-informed, person-centered responses.

Higher education providers receiving Commonwealth funding must integrate these standards into their operations, prioritizing student and staff safety. Non-compliance risks funding suspension or revocation. The Regulator's approach emphasizes education, engagement, and proportionate enforcement, including compliance notices, civil penalties, and injunctions, guided by principles of necessity and risk-based regulation.

This systemic reform builds on years of advocacy, including the 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS), which exposed pervasive issues, prompting Australian Education Ministers to act in February 2024.

Who is Michele Clark? A Profile of Expertise and Commitment

Michele Clark brings a wealth of experience from senior roles in the Victorian and Commonwealth public sectors, as well as the UK Civil Service. Her career highlights include leadership in gender equality initiatives, emergency management, national security, and preventing violent extremism. Notably, she spearheaded statewide reforms to prevent GBV, equipping her uniquely for this role.

"Stepping into this leadership role felt like a natural next step," Clark stated. "I’ve always been driven by a commitment to strengthening communities, advancing gender equality and improving people’s safety and wellbeing." Her passion stems from a belief that everyone deserves to study and work free from fear.

In her inaugural message in the GBV Regulator's first newsletter (February 19, 2026), Clark outlined priorities for foundational years, including regulatory activities at university Orientation Week and Respect Week.

Alarming Statistics: The Scale of GBV in Australian Universities

The 2021 NSSS revealed stark realities: one in 20 students experienced sexual assault since commencing university, while one in six faced sexual harassment. Only 30% of sexual assault reporters were satisfied with their institution's process. Women, First Nations students, those with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and international students bear disproportionate burdens.

• 29% of tertiary education staff reported personal sexual harassment experiences (2023 National Tertiary Education Union Survey).
• Over 40% of women international students encountered sexual or intimate partner violence since arriving in Australia.

These figures highlight barriers like visa concerns for internationals and systemic discrimination amplifying risks. For context, explore career advice for safe academic environments.

Understanding the National Higher Education Code: Seven Key Standards

The National Code mandates proactive measures across prevention and response. Providers must:

1. Establish leadership commitment to safety.
2. Implement risk assessments and prevention strategies.
3. Provide accessible reporting and support services.
4. Ensure fair investigations and outcomes.
5. Monitor and report GBV data.
6. Build staff and student capabilities.
7. Collaborate with communities.

Step-by-step, providers conduct gap analyses against the Code, develop action plans, and submit compliance statements. The Regulator monitors via audits and data.

This framework complements the National Student Ombudsman, aiding complaint resolution. Universities Australia endorses it, pledging collaboration.

University Responses and Implementation Challenges

Australian universities, from the University of Sydney to regional institutions like Charles Darwin University, are aligning policies. For instance, the University of New South Wales reports annual GBV data and prevention efforts since 2020. Challenges include resource strains, cultural shifts, and measuring cultural change.

Providers face timelines: full compliance by 2027 for non-unis. Initial focus: policy reviews, training, and support services. Interested in roles supporting safer campuses? Check higher ed admin jobs.

Stakeholders like the National Tertiary Education Union highlight staff harassment, urging holistic approaches.

Impacts on Students, Staff, and International Learners

GBV disrupts education, mental health, and careers. Victims face dropout risks, academic decline, and long-term trauma. International students, comprising 40%+ at many unis, grapple with isolation and visa fears, exacerbating vulnerabilities.

Under Clark's guidance, the Regulator promotes data transparency, fostering trust. Real-world cases, like past residential college scandals at the University of New England, illustrate reform urgency.

Enforcement Mechanisms and Future Outlook

The Regulator's toolkit includes guidance, audits, and penalties up to millions for systemic failures. Clark envisions cultural transformation: "Addressing gender-based violence matters deeply to me because it’s about people’s right to feel safe."

Future: annual reporting, sector-wide benchmarks, integration with National Student Ombudsman. By 2030, expect reduced incidents via proactive reforms. For career guidance in safe environments, visit higher ed career advice.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Actionable Insights

Victim-survivors advocate for believer-support systems; unis stress collaboration. Actionable steps for providers: train staff via Respect@Work modules, enhance reporting apps, partner with 1800RESPECT.

• Students: Know rights, use support services.
• Staff: Report, intervene safely.
• Leaders: Embed Code in governance.

Clark's reforms promise safer campuses, boosting retention and equity. Explore Australian uni opportunities.

Photo by Eriksson Luo on Unsplash

Conclusion: A Safer Future for Australian Higher Education

Michele Clark's leadership marks a turning point. With robust enforcement and collaboration, Australia's universities can eliminate GBV, ensuring equitable learning. Share experiences on Rate My Professor, seek higher ed jobs, or get career advice. For openings, visit university jobs or post a job.