Earlier this week, the ANU informed the Gaza Solidarity Encampment it would be switching off power to the site.
An ANU spokesperson told Woroni, “ANU was denied access to the encampment site to conduct an inspection earlier this week”, after which the University cut off power from the encampment. However, the Encampment has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the University inspectors did not ask to view the encampment site.
This follows the University expressing concern, “that electrical appliances and heaters being brought to the encampment create an elevated risk of fire or electrocution.”
The ANU spokesperson explained, “Under Work Health and Safety laws, ANU is required to ensure activities on its campus are conducted safely. This includes taking action to mitigate known risks.”
The spokesperson notes, “The development of a large, enclosed marquee-style structure and other obstructions within the encampment means it is no longer possible for ANU operations staff to assess safety externally.”
In a safety notice to the Encampment on 19 July, the Director of Facilities and Services issued formal directives to the Encampment in order to “ensure the safety and wellbeing of all community members”.
Figure: Safety notice sent to the encampment on Friday, 19 July.
Following the notice, the Encampment responded with “clarifying questions”, with an intention to, “remain committed to the safety of our community at all levels, which remains a top priority for [the encampment]”. The email additionally notes the specified electrical and thermal hazards, and maintains, “We are more than happy to comply. We tested and tagged electrical powerboards, including an RCD.”
Figure: Emails sent from the Encampment to the Director of Services and Facilities following the notice.
On 23 July, the Director of Facilities and Services wrote to the Encampment saying, “Uni Safe officers accompanied by our authorised electrical services contractor attended the encampment on Monday 22nd July to conduct our first safety inspection. I understand the officers were refused entry by the encampment…without having the ability assess risk appropriately this puts our community at risk.”
“Given our inability to assess risk we will be disconnecting power supply, effective today.”
The University spokesperson confirmed, “The University has CCTV footage showing encampment participants denying access to authorised officials and representatives of the University.”
Woroni has seen evidence of this footage.
In a press release, the Encampment maintains, “In an email sent to the Encampment on Tuesday, 23 July, the university stated they were denied access to the Encampment to conduct their safety checks. This is blatantly false. Extension cords running from the encampment to the power supply on University Avenue have been retagged and dated in accordance to WHS regulations since 22 July, irrevocable proof that the camp provided access to Facilities and Services.”
The ANU spokesperson told Woroni that after disconnecting the power supply, “ANU has continued to provide security for the encampment, including regular patrols around the site and welfare checks. All encampment participants have access to a range of amenities, including microwaves, showers, hot water and dedicated student spaces within a short walking distance.”
The University also told Woroni, “The University requires access to all parts of the campus to satisfy itself about the safety of facilities and the wellbeing of people using campus, including staff, students and visitors.”
“Failure to comply with a formal direction from a University official could constitute a breach of the ANU Code of Conduct and lead to disciplinary action.”
“Since the encampment began, ANU has communicated that power sources may be used to charge devices such as laptops and phones, but that no further use of such appliances will be permitted.”
However, the Encampment maintains, “It is both unsafe and unfair for the ANU to remove the Encampment’s access to power, restricting our ability to recharge our lights for the night, to make hot water bottles to weather the cold, and to recharge our laptops and phones to complete our studies.”
“Once again the university is restricting the functions of the encampment in the name of the ‘safety of the community’ while completely disregarding the safety of those within the Encampment and our capacities to complete our studies. A safety concern that had already been addressed, through testing and tagging of all electrical equipment in use, and through consultation with electricians provided by the ANU.”
It remains to be seen whether the University will re-supply power to the Encampment where students continue to camp, demanding that the University disclose and divest from weapons manufacturers involved in Israel’s siege in Gaza.
As of the date of publication, the University has not re-supplied power to the encampment. Woroni understands that on 25 July, ANU Facilities and Services were allowed to tag and test electrical appliances inside the encampment site.
Woroni’s coverage of the protest and counter-protests will continue in the coming weeks.
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As always, please access support if these events or their coverage are distressing to you.
ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing Team
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