TUSA Equity Committee
Welcome to the TUSA Equity Committee webpage! The TUSA Equity Committee is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment for all students at UTAS. We strive to champion initiatives that break down systemic barriers, uplift marginalized voices, and ensure that every student—regardless of background, identity, or circumstances—has equitable opportunities to thrive both academically and personally.
As the representative body for equity within TUSA, our committee works collaboratively to drive meaningful change, focusing on key issues impacting students across diverse demographics. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and intersectionality across all university campuses and learning environments.
A message from our current TUSA Equity President and Chair of the TUSA Equity Committee for 2025
As the TUSA Equity President for 2025, I am proud to be leading the committee into its second year of structured operations. This year presents a crucial opportunity to solidify the equity initiatives we introduced in 2024 while advancing new and pressing priorities.
One of the significant developments from last year is the recommendation for TUSA to develop its own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reflecting our commitment to First Nations justice and engagement. We are also strengthening student awareness of supports available through the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, with dedicated information sessions in March, particularly aimed at assisting international students in understanding their rights and protections.
In response to the growing number of distance and online students—now comprising over 56% of the UTAS student body—we are ensuring they have a stronger voice in decision-making and support structures. The committee has also introduced a new Equity Officer representing carers, recognizing the unique challenges faced by students caring for children, elderly parents, or individuals with behavioural conditions.
Further, we are working to enhance campus safety with initiatives such as anti-spike drink covers, spearheaded by the Women’s Equity Officer, and increasing awareness around deadnaming to support gender-diverse students. Finally, we will continue to oversee the UTAS review of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), advocating for necessary improvements in accessibility and support for students with disabilities.
Our focus for 2025 remains clear: building on last year’s momentum, strengthening our advocacy, and ensuring that equity remains at the heart of student representation. I invite all students to join us in this mission and make UTAS a place where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered.
Mark Warrington
TUSA Equity President 2025
TUSA Equity President 2025
Meet our Team
Our Equity Committee is made up of dedicated students with lived experience in the equity demographics they represent. This firsthand knowledge informs our advocacy and drives meaningful change. Leading the committee is the TUSA Equity President, supported by the Deputy Chair (TUSA General Secretary) and a team of Equity Officers representing the following equity portfolios:
- LGBTQIA+
- Disability
- Distance/Online
- Ethnocultural
- First Nations
- International Students
- Women
- Carers (New in 2025)
To meet our current Equity Officers, click here.
Our Mission
The TUSA Equity Committee is dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those from marginalised or underrepresented backgrounds, have access to the resources, advocacy, and support they need to succeed. We recognize the importance of intersectionality and strive to create an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued.
Through proactive engagement, policy advocacy, and student-driven initiatives, we aim to build a UTAS community that celebrates diversity and upholds equity in all aspects of student life.
Key Equity Initiatives for 2025
In 2025, the Equity Committee will focus on several key initiatives to improve inclusivity and support for students. These include:
- Reconciliation Action Plan – Developing a RAP for TUSA to strengthen its commitment to First Nations engagement and justice.
- Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Information Sessions – Providing students, especially international students, with guidance on discrimination protections and their rights.
- Distance & Online Student Representation – Ensuring over 56% of UTAS students learning remotely are well-represented in equity policies and decision-making.
- Anti-Spike Drink Covers – Implementing a campus-wide initiative to improve student safety and prevent drink spiking.
- Carer Representation – Introducing a dedicated Carers Equity Officer to advocate for students balancing academic responsibilities with caregiving.
- Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) Oversight – Ensuring UTAS follows through on necessary improvements in disability access and inclusion.
- Deadnaming Awareness Campaign – Promoting awareness and institutional change to protect gender-diverse students from discrimination and misgendering.
Resources and Support
We understand that many students face barriers to accessing essential support services. Below is a list of available resources:
| Service | Contact |
| TUSA Advocates | Support@tusa.utas.edu.au |
| University Crisis Line (after-hours) | 1300 511 709 (call) OR 0488 884 168 (text) |
| Lifeline | Lifeline.org.au OR ph: 13 11 14 |
| QLife | 1800 184 527 |
| 13YARN | 13 92 76 |
| 1800 RESPECT | 1800 737 732 OR 1800respect.org.au |
For guidance on using inclusive language in academic and professional settings, refer to:
Get Involved
We encourage all students to participate in TUSA’s equity initiatives. Whether you want to attend events, volunteer, join our meetings, or become an Equity Officer, your involvement is key to making a difference.
We recruit new Equity Officers, throughout the year. If you are passionate about equity and have lived experience in a particular equity demographic, we welcome you to ask about the roles.
For more information, contact the Equity Committee at equity.president@tusa.utas.edu.au.
Contact Us
We welcome all students to reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns.
| Emails | equity.president@tusa.utas.edu.au hello@tusa.utas.edu.au |
| Physical Addresses | 1 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay.
2 Invermay Road, Launceston. 2-4 Bass Hwy, West Park, Burnie. |
| Social Media |
Acknowledgement of Country
TUSA acknowledges the traditional owners of lutruwita (Tasmania) and the broader Eora Nation (Sydney). We respect and honour the palawa and pakana people and their enduring connection to land, sea, and waterways. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and commit to taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.
Acknowledgement of Lived Experience
We value the diverse lived experiences of all students and recognize the unique perspectives that each individual brings to our community. Equity is not just about representation—it is about ensuring every student feels valued and supported.
Together, let’s build a more inclusive and equitable UTAS.