“Don’t let anxiety about perfection get in the way of progress.”
A powerful message from Michele Clark, Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Gender-Based Violence Regulator, Australian Government Department of Education, our lead keynote speaker at Student Accommodation Association Industry Lunch, “From Code to Practice”, at Crowne Plaza Melbourne on Thursday, 8 October.
Michele brought the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence into the everyday reality of student accommodation: what happens when a resident seeks help and how teams provide consistent, compassionate support. She emphasised clear responsibilities, supported staff and coordinated responses between accommodation and higher education providers.
Key messages included:🔹 “We regulate to minimise harm and improve outcomes.”
Meaningful implementation requires cultural and behavioural change, backed by accountable leadership, clear actions and resources.
🔹 “It’s about protecting students’ right to feel safe in their home and to pursue education without fear or disruption.”
Student accommodation is home. Listening to residents and staff and continually strengthening prevention and response practices are central to this work.
🔹 “While the national code provides the framework, your sector has the unique opportunity to shape the implementation of this reform and create lasting change.”
An encouraging recognition of our sector’s expertise and role in translating the Code into practical outcomes for residents.
Matt Borg, CEO of Constant, brought these messages into operational focus: does your response work at 2 am? He highlighted clear escalation pathways, effective handovers, recognising early signs of harm and supporting staff who receive disclosures. A valuable reminder: “Trust comes before disclosure.”
Kim Copeland of Avyon reinforced the importance of a trauma informed, person centred response when a resident discloses gender-based violence, responding with care, respecting their wishes and helping them access support.
Thank you to Michele, Matt and Kim for sharing their expertise, and to Professor Kent Anderson for facilitating the afternoon.
Thank you to our attendees for embracing the interactive table discussions and bringing thoughtful questions to the panel, connecting the Code with real challenges facing student accommodation teams.
Thank you also to our corporate partners Constant, StarRez, SiLANT and Superloop for their valued support.
Today reinforced our shared commitment to turning the Code into everyday practice that strengthens safety, trust and respect in student accommodation.
