Apparently this has also been a contentious issue on some Australian campuses, and action to combat the risk of favoritism of this kind is thought to be on the way. Sexual harassment guidelines may not be sufficient to deal with the problems the AVCC is considering. Sexual harassment traditionally has to involve unwanted sexual activity. But the guidelines are having to address the issue that even though a student and an academic may be willing partners, the interaction could lead to claims by other students of favoritism and special treatment. This aspect cannot be ignored because serious questions of who qualify for scholarships, and what level of pass is gained, arise.
Careers are at stake and the favoring of the less talented over the more competent is involved.
Presently, little has been said about similar problems in schools although it is well known that the Education Ministry and private school principals and their governing councils generally treat incidents in this area harshly.