The Australian Government has updated the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) to require higher education providers to take action against racism and strengthen university governance.
The Threshold Standards underpin the quality and integrity of Australian higher education. They set the minimum requirements all registered higher education providers must meet to be registered to operate as a higher education provider in Australia.
Amendments have been made to the Threshold Standards as part of the Government's response to recommendations from the Expert Council on University Governance, the Senate Inquiry into the Quality of governance at Australian Higher Education Providers, the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities.
The changes make providers' obligations clearer, more accountable and more enforceable while supporting safe, inclusive and high-quality learning environments for all students and staff.
Visit the Federal Register of Legislation website to view the Amendment Instrument introducing the changes.
Preventing and responding to racism
The amendments introduce requirements to demonstrate a commitment to addressing racism which place a stronger emphasis on institutional responsibility for creating culturally safe environments. They will ensure appropriate mechanisms are in place to prevent, detect and respond to incidents of racism.
From 1 January 2027, all higher education providers will be required to:
- have definitions of racism, including towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, antisemitism, Islamophobia and any other forms of racial discrimination and vilification which are specific to the needs of the provider’s community
- implement policies and complaints handling processes that embed safe, respectful, and inclusive behaviours across all operations, and
- provide clear guidance to students and staff on actions that enhance safety and security on campus and online.
Strengthening governance
The governance amendments are informed by the work of the Expert Council on University Governance, established by Education Ministers to develop a set of University Governance Principles (Principles).
The Principles set out contemporary expectations for accountability, integrity, transparency, effective decision-making and institutional stewardship, and provide a clear benchmark for good governance across the higher education sector.
Compliance with the new governance provisions will be phased in to support providers that may require additional time to review their arrangements. Amendments apply from:
- 1 January 2027 for Australian Universities listed in Table A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003, and
- 1 July 2027 for all other higher education providers.