His full message is below. 

Racism has no place at our university or in society, and we continue our work to make our campuses, classrooms and workplaces safe, respectful and inclusive for everyone.

We’re extremely concerned by the report’s findings and the distressing and unacceptable accounts of racism experienced by staff and students at universities across Australia.

We’ve requested our institutional data and will carefully consider these alongside the report to identify both broad and specific issues and additional steps we can take to address them.

This report must motivate us all to do more to celebrate the richness of diversity and eliminate all forms of discrimination on our campuses.

Over the past 18 months we’ve undertaken extensive consultation and work to improve our policies, procedures and reporting mechanisms, and we'll continue to engage with our community, the sector and governments to enact meaningful and lasting change.

We’re grateful to our staff and students and all who shared their experiences in the Racism@Uni survey and acknowledge the courage it takes to speak about racism.

Wherever our students gather, they must find welcoming and inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures and identities feel valued and heard.

Confidential and free support services are available to anyone in our community who may need them.

As we start a new semester we’re communicating with our community about our expectations of behaviour and our shared responsibility to foster a safe and inclusive campus.