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Making a Complaint to USU


USU is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students. We take concerns, complaints and disclosures seriously and aim to respond in a way that is fair, trauma-informed, and focused on student wellbeing.

This information outlines how you can raise a concern, disclosure or complaint with USU, what to expect from the process, and what support options are available to you.

You do not need to know all the information right now to make a report. If you are unsure, you can start anywhere and we will work with you in handling your report.

If you require assistance, please refer to the contact us page.

How to make a complaint

I’d like to make a sexual harm or gender-based violence report


USU recognises that disclosing sexual harm or gender‑based violence can be difficult. You are in control of what you share and when. If you choose to contact us, we will listen respectfully, support your choices and help you access appropriate support and reporting options.

Make a disclosure or complaint to USU by emailing [email protected].

When you contact USU, you can make a disclosure or a complaint.

  • A disclosure is about seeking support, information, or guidance, without asking for formal action.

  • A complaint is a request for USU to assess what happened and consider taking action within our authority.


You can make a disclosure or complaint if the incident involves:

  • A USU event, digital environment or activity

  • Wentworth, Manning and Holme Buildings, including Manning Bar, Hermann's Bar and Courtyard Cafe

  • Another student, a student club or USU program (e.g. Debating, Revues, volunteering)


Your options:

  • You do not have to make a formal complaint

  • You can reach out for support or more information

  • We can help connect you with confidential support services

  • If you choose, we can support you to engage with university or external processes


You are not alone - learn more about other support

University support:

  • Safer Communities Office at the University of Sydney provides an immediate response and follow up support to people who have experienced sexual harm, gender-based violence, or bullying and harassment. They can also talk you through university processes.

  • Student Wellbeing provides free, confidential counselling for health, wellbeing, and personal matters.

  • Student Affairs Unit is the University body that manages and responds to complaints.

  • Campus Protective Services is available 24/7 on (02) 9351 3333 or 1800 SYD HLP (1800 793 457).


For more information and to make a complaint to the University of Sydney visit Report sexual harm or gender-based violence - The University of Sydney

External support

  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

  • Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578 (24/7)

I’d like to make a complaint about a registered USU club


USU supports and oversees registered clubs and societies. If your concern relates to the conduct, activities, or management of a registered USU club, you can raise this with us.

Make a complaint to USU by emailing: [email protected]

Examples include:

  • Unsafe or inappropriate behaviour at a club event

  • Concerns about bullying, harassment, or exclusion

  • Financial or governance concerns

  • Breaches of USU or University expectations


What happens next

  • Your complaint will be reviewed by the USU Clubs team.

  • We may contact you for further information (if you are comfortable)

  • We will assess appropriate next steps, which may include investigation

  • Our outcomes may include guidance, mediation, or formal action under USU procedures


Information about your complaint will only be shared with other people if they need to know the information to progress with your complaint. For safeguarding reasons, there are times when we need to share information about your complaint without your consent in order to protect you or others. This may involve informing the University of your complaint and passing on relevant details so they can take any necessary further action. We will always let you know in advance if this is the case.

Appealing a decision or outcome

If you’re unhappy with the outcome of a USU investigation or report handling, you can appeal to the USU, or you can complain to the National Student Ombudsman. Please contact [email protected] for information on making an appeal.

🔗 Info about complaining to the National Student Ombudsman can be found on their website ↗

I’d like to make a different complaint to USU


You can make a complaint directly to USU if your concern relates to any USU venue, program, service, or activity, including:

  • USU venues and buildings, retail or hospitality outlets

  • USU student programs, events, or activities

  • Customer service experiences


Our approach

  • Complaints are handled respectfully and impartially

  • We aim to respond as quickly as possible

  • We focus on resolving concerns while improving our services


Submit your complaint via the contact us page.

USU acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose stolen land which we operate, gather as employees and live. We recognise this land was never terra nullius — the land belonging to these peoples was never ceded, given up, bought or sold. We pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging, and we extend this acknowledgement to any other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Transition to USU Ltd
From 1 April 2026, USyd Student Union Ltd (ABN 52 688 637 818) became the organisation running the services, programs and activities previously operated by the University of Sydney Union (ABN 73 818 179 759). As part of the transition, existing USU membership benefits will continue to be recognised until 30 June 2026 in line with the transition arrangements. USU Rewards benefits will continue only for members who join USU Ltd. Membership of USU Ltd is separate and only takes effect in accordance with the USU Ltd constitution.

© 2026 USU