SAR Australia Section Launch

Leaders from universities across Australia virtually convened on August 19, 2021, to launch the Australia section of Scholars at Risk (SAR).  The launch celebrated the work and commitment of our founding members, including the section’s esteemed host, the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“We are delighted to formalize nearly 2 decades of partnership between Australian higher educational institutions and the Global SAR Network,” said Professor Helen Bartlett, Vice-Chancellor & President, University of the Sunshine Coast. “SAR-Australia will provide more opportunities to help scholars, raise awareness, and demand greater protection for universities, scholars, students, and academic freedom.”

The SAR Australia Section launch was held in association with World Humanitarian Day. Participants gathered to explore ways to mobilize Australian society to better understand and defend academic freedom. The launch featured remarks by the Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of the Sunshine Coast Professor Helen Bartlett, the Honourable Robert French AC, Professor Adrienne Stone of Melbourne University Law School, National Director of Amnesty International Australia Sam Klintworth, Human Rights Watch Australia Researcher Sophie McNeill, and Faculty Member at Victoria University and Former President of the NTEU Jeannie Rea.

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