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Released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
Defence Force
Ombudsman
Restorative engagement in Defence abuse
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What is Restorative
Engagement ? (RE)
What are the
benefits?
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Defence Force
Ombudsman RE
Program
3
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Our Success
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Testimonials
‘It went real y well. I was extremely apprehensive, nervous and unsure
how I would feel during the conference. My facilitator was very nice.
She made me feel at ease and explained the process clearly so I
understood what to expect. The Defence Representative was also
extremely nice. I found her to be very genuine and sincere. She
seemed to genuinely care about my story.’
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xxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
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Released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
National Student
Ombudsman
Empowering students, ensuring fairness
Restorative engagement in student complaints
Origins of the National
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Student
Ombudsman
2017 and 2021 student
Sept. 2023 Senate Inquiry on
Feb. 2024 Universities
safety surveys
current & proposed sexual
Accord Final Report
consent laws
2021
National Student Safety Survey
Made several findings about the
Supported the creation of the NSO,
showed little improvement in
sector’s responses to sexual violence,
stating that
“students need a
student awareness and
noting ”the committee lacks confidence
simpler, more accessible
satisfaction of gender-based
that the university sector (as a whole)
mechanism that al ows them to
violence reporting and support
wil respond appropriately to the crisis
pursue their complaints with
options from the 2017
Change the
without strong intervention.”
appropriate supports”.
Course report.
Recommended the establishment of an
independent oversight body.
Noted that “
systemic issues
Identified the creation of the NSO
[related to gender-based violence]
as the first Action of the Plan, noting
persist across the higher education
that it
would “ensure domestic and
sector, suggesting governance
international students have an
arrangements could be improved”
effective, trauma-informed
& that complaints options for
complaints mechanism to use
students were complex, slow and
when they are not satisfied by their
confusing.
higher education provider’s
response.”
July 2023 Universities
Feb. 2024 Action Plan
Accord Interim Report
Addressing Gender-Based
Violence in Higher Education
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NSO Restorative Engagement model
Collaborative, trauma-informed approach:
emphasis on student safety
Uniqueness of NSO alternative dispute
resolution model: internal facilitation of RE,
conciliation function, focus on early resolution
Pre-requisites:
agreed set of facts, voluntary participation
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Process and what we’ve seen so far
Careful assessment of suitability of cases for RE
including student support and accessibility needs
Work with provider to explain process &
establish agreement to facts
If facts not agreed, proceed to conciliation
Outcome of RE depends on case and
student’s desired outcome
Closure, acknowledgement for student the priority
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Lessons learned, looking to the future
Student-provider relationship management
critical
Given cases are current, not historical
Establishing agreement to facts can be
challenging
Where no agreement, NSO ADR function can be
helpful e.g. facilitated resolution, conciliation
Importance of collaboration between NSO,
providers and other stakeholders
NSO RE training for providers planned
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Thank you.
Any questions?
1300 395 775
nso.gov.au
xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Document Outline
