The result of this audit was Murdoch University becoming the first in Australia to receive a Responsible Futures accreditation – in recognition of the way sustainability is woven into the University’s formal, informal and subliminal curriculum.  

Over the course of two days, a team of student auditors reviewed and ranked documentation, and conducted interviews with key people within the University’s ecosystem, including Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks.  

Everything from teaching practice to community outreach and on-campus installations was submitted as evidence and reviewed by the audit team before being sent to Responsible Futures for a final grade.  

Pro Vice Chancellor Sustainability Associate Professor Martin Brueckner said the audit was a way for institutions to reaffirm their commitment to sustainability and hold themselves accountable both internally and externally. 

“With Australia's unique ecosystems and wildlife under severe threat, it has never been more important to equip graduates for a changing world, allowing them to develop the skills needed to make informed decisions, take action and drive positive change, Associate Professor Brueckner said. 

Giving our students the opportunity to audit our institutional practices carries a clear message – our commitment to climate action and listening to our students’ voices is steadfast. We are constantly evolving, listening and evaluating how we can improve. 

The Responsible Futures program originated in the UK after student surveys revealed a great demand for sustainability to be added to the curriculum. It centres around a framework with 51 criteria, benchmarked on good practice from across the sector and informed by the United Nations.  

Murdoch University exceeded the score threshold of 220, receiving a two-year accreditation. The next steps are to review and begin implementing recommendations made by the auditors and the Responsible Futures program.  

In 2027, Murdoch University will be audited a second time – a step that Associate Professor Brueckner said was critical for staying on the forefront of best practice.  

“It is through transparency and openness that real change happens.  

During an audit team interview with Professor Deeks, he echoed Associate Professor Brueckner’s sentiments – saying Murdoch University was ensuring its graduates not only talked the talk, but walked the walk of sustainability and collective responsibility. 

“Conversations are key – if you ask many universities’ staff and students what their strategy is, they don’t know,” Professor Deeks said. 

Our strategy is lived experience. It’s a strategy that emerged from consultation with the community within and beyond Murdoch.  

Student auditor Kate Gentle said the experience of the audit solidified both her decision to study at Murdoch University, and her passion for a career in sustainability. 

“Small, simple changes for sustainability can sometimes collectively have an even greater impact. This experience has shown me the power of collective action within our university community, leaving me inspired to apply what I’ve learnt to help create meaningful change both on campus and beyond,” she said.