Understanding The National Code and Why It Matters
At Learning Consent, we partner with universities to deliver cutting-edge programs for the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. Over the years that we have been doing this work, one of the biggest takeaways we’ve learnt is that students want to be seen. They want relevant education that meets them where they are at and gives them the practical tools and skills to navigate relationships safely and respectfully.
Earlier this year, the government proposed a new Code: The National Higher Education Code to Respond to Gender-based Violence. This is the result of years of campaigning and advocacy in this space from student safety advocates and organisations such as End Rape on Campus, Fair Agenda and The STOP Campaign. The National Code sets standards for higher education providers to prevent and address gender-based violence and offers a building block for creating real cultural change within university settings. It recognises that comprehensive and student-centred violence prevention programs shouldn’t be a bonus, but a necessity.
So you might be thinking: why this Code? Why now?
Let us break it down.
The Demand for Action on Gender-based Violence
Gender-based violence is a national emergency. In 2024 we saw rallies across Australia demanding that drastic action be taken. Every year too many women, and LQBTQIA+ people are lost to violence, with the perpetrators being overwhelmingly male. In 2024 we saw violence against women be described as a national crisis and an epidemic, with 79 lives of women lost to violence. All over Australia, gender-based violence continues to impact people of all ages, with young women aged 18-24 more likely to experience physical and sexual intimate partner violence (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). With thousands of students living, studying, and forming relationships on campus, universities are a critical space for leading meaningful cultural change.
The evidence collected in the most recent National Student Safety Survey demonstrates that violence on campus is a serious issue. The survey revealed:
1 in 6 students experienced sexual harassment at university.
1 in 20 students were sexually assaulted in a university context in just one year.
Harm is not evenly distributed—women, LGBTQIA+ students, and students in residential settings experience disproportionate levels of violence.
It’s important when reading these results to remember that behind every statistic is a real student, someone who deserves to feel safe where they live, study, and socialise. While the data is confronting, it gives us a clear perspective on the current issue.
That’s why Learning Consent is grounded not just in experience but in research and evidence. Aligned with international best practice, the Learning Consent curriculum meets the global standards guided by the UNESCO International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education, as well as the Universities Australia Good Practice Guide. This Guidance provides an evidence base for delivering comprehensive sexuality education within a framework of human rights and gender equality. It’s not just what we teach, it’s how and why we teach that matters.
Now Enter the National Code
The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence is a new national framework to ensure higher education providers are addressing the national crisis of gender-based violence. Set to come into effect in January 2026, the Code sets out national standards for universities with a whole-of-organisation approach, including mandatory education for students and staff.
There are seven standards stipulated in the proposed National Code, covering everything from accountable leadership and governance to safe student accommodation, education, and trauma-informed support services. Together, they outline a whole-of-organisation approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence in higher education.
For more detail, you can read the full Code here.
Standard 3: Knowledge and Capability
At Learning Consent, Standard 3: Knowledge and Capability is at the heart of our work with universities. This standard outlines the need for institutions to build the skills, confidence, and understanding across their communities to proactively prevent and respond to gender-based violence. It highlights that knowledge alone isn't enough, that students and staff need practical, ongoing, and evidence-based education that empowers them to navigate consent, support others, and challenge harmful behaviours. For Learning Consent, this isn’t just a component of the Code, it’s the foundation for real, lasting cultural change on campus.
Learning Consent’s tertiary programs not only meet but exceed the National Code’s Standard 3 requirements, making us a trusted partner for Higher Education Providers. In Part 2 of this blog, we’ll explore how Learning Consent brings Standard 3 of the National Code to life through our peer-led workshops, inclusive facilitation, eLearn Modules and skills-based curriculum that helps universities move beyond policy into everyday practice.
