CODE OF ETHICS

This Code of Ethics is a public statement of the ethical principles, values and behaviours expected of members of Murdoch University.

The Code of Ethics is based on three fundamental ethical principles:

1. The Principle of Justice
2. The Principle of Respect
3. The Principle of Responsible Care

Justice
Justice requires that people are fairly treated and not discriminated against, abused or exploited.  Justice seeks both equal opportunities and fair shares of social benefits for individuals, with equitable outcomes for disadvantaged groups. It is based on obedience to applicable laws, while recognising the right to criticise those laws or the policies that underlie them.

Respect
Respect requires that people’s rights are honoured and defended and that they are actively empowered to claim their rights. Respect for other people is a fundamental requirement of a just community.  Individual members of a community must accept their social responsibilities to behave honestly and with integrity, to tolerate and respect others and to cooperate with other members of the community and other communities.

Responsible Care
Responsible care is a primary moral obligation to do good and not to do harm to others. Responsible care entails tolerance and respect for the rights of others.   It requires that fundamental human rights are protected and that the diversity of all cultures and peoples is respected. Those who are strong enough to assert their rights have a responsibility to protect others, especially those who are dependent on them.  All stakeholders are responsible for the efficient stewardship of assets, resources and the environment.