Media Releases 2003

1 October  2003

Universities agree on approach to IT access management

In an Australian first for higher education, the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) today released a new Resource Paper, Content, University IT Systems and the Internet, designed to assist universities in reviewing their internet management policy and procedures.

“The higher education sector is serious about effective control of staff and student use of IT facilities. The adoption by all Vice-Chancellors of this Resource Paper is indicative of this,” Mr Mullarvey said.

“The Resource Paper was prepared to meet the challenges of facilitating Internet access for some 800,000 students and 85,000 staff. At a time when universities around the world are facing demands from copyright owners to be more vigilant in ensuring that their systems are not used to infringe copyright, the Resource Paper will provide universities with assistance in investigating and responding to ‘take down’ demands.

“The AVCC is also currently in discussions with the music industry with a view to developing a code of conduct for staff and students accessing music over the internet.

“The higher education sector invests heavily in copyright, paying more than $20 million a year to copyright collecting societies for the right to use print and graphic material and broadcasts for educational purposes.

Universities do not shrink from the challenge of seeking to ensure that they meet their copyright obligations. This Resource Paper will help ensure that universities continue to meet these obligations while remaining at the cutting edge of education and research, " Mr Mullarvey said.

A full copy of Content, University IT Systems and the Internet can be found here

Media Inquiries Tracey Jiggins – phone: (02) 6285 8206 or 0400 166691