Calls are growing for the Federal Government to take immediate action to address sexual assault at universities across Australia. 

Around 275 assaults occur in and around campuses each week, stats show, prompting widespread concern among students and safety advocates.

The interim report of the Australian Universities Accord, the most comprehensive review of the sector in decades, highlights safety as a major concern. 

The panel recommends collaboration with the national cabinet to tackle this pressing issue. 

While welcoming Labor's commitment to work with the national cabinet, advocates argue that more substantial measures are needed to hold universities accountable.

Key figures stress the urgency of the situation, with Bailey Riley, President of the National Union of Students (NUS), expressing scepticism about proposed changes and calling for swift action. 

However, the union remains hopeful that the government's commitment signals a shift towards more ambitious reforms.

Dr Allison Henry from UNSW's Australian Human Rights Institute says the federal government has enough influence over the university sector to use provisions in the commonwealth university funding legislation to hasten action. 

To address accountability, End Rape on Campus Australia (EROC) and over 40 other groups advocate establishing an independent mechanism to monitor university responses to sexual violence. 

This authority would have the power to impose consequences for institutions failing to meet basic standards.

Sharna Bremner, EROC's Director, says working with the National Cabinet is a positive step, but immediate action is essential. 

Waiting for the final report from the University Accord Panel, due in December, could leave thousands of students vulnerable.

Education Minister Jason Clare says he is committed to reducing sexual violence rates at universities, and has sent a letter to all education ministers and initiating discussions on the matter.