The Centre for Muslim Wellbeing has provided a formal submission on the proposed amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021, contributing to national consultation on student wellbeing, safety, and inclusion in Australia’s higher education sector.
The submission highlights the importance of embedding cultural safety, equity, and student wellbeing within institutional frameworks, particularly for students from Muslim and multicultural backgrounds.
CMW’s response calls for a stronger, more holistic approach that recognises the impact of racism, Islamophobia, and global events on student wellbeing and engagement with education.
Key Recommendations
- Embed cultural responsiveness and safety within student wellbeing standards
- Strengthen accountability in addressing racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia
- Recognise the impact of collective trauma and global crises on students
- Improve access to culturally appropriate mental health supports
- Support meaningful engagement with community organisations and student groups
Why It Matters
Universities shape more than academic outcomes; they shape students’ sense of belonging, safety, and future pathways.
For many Muslim students, experiences of exclusion or lack of culturally safe support can impact both their wellbeing and their ability to thrive. A stronger, more inclusive higher education system is essential to ensuring all students can participate fully and succeed.
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About the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing
Since 2018, the Centre for Muslim Wellbeing (CMW) has supported communities across Victoria and other states through mental health literacy programs, cultural safety training, carer support, youth resilience workshops, trauma-informed community sessions, school wellbeing programs, crisis response, and community-led wellbeing initiatives. We work closely with educators, health professionals, imams, community leaders, families and young people to build a more accessible, inclusive and culturally safe mental health system for Muslim and multicultural communities across Australia.
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Read CMW’s full submission here
