USYD seeks Crown Solicitor advice over student election

The University of Sydney has sought advice from the Crown Solicitor on whether the conduct of its Student Representative Council election breached the Crimes Act, and has ordered an independent review of funding arrangements for student representative groups.

All election signs bearing the phrase “Globalise the Intifada” have been removed from campus, Chancellor David Thodey said on Friday, following a briefing to the university’s Senate by vice-chancellor Mark Scott.

Thodey said Scott had told the Senate he was profoundly disappointed that the safety and wellbeing of the community, especially Jewish students, were not adequately considered by some candidates in the election, and then by the independent election organisers in endorsing ticket names.

Complaints about the week’s events are being investigated, Thodey said, with disciplinary action to follow if breaches of policies or codes of conduct are found. The university has also sought advice from the NSW Electoral Commissioner on requirements to ensure safe and fair student elections.

The review of affiliation and funding arrangements for student representative groups will be expedited, he said, to ensure legal, regulatory and psychosocial safety measures are being met.