Graduating students staged a mass walkout during a university speech by former union boss Joe de Bruyn after he starting railing against abortion and IVF.
The Australian Catholic University was bestowing an honorary degree on the former national president of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employess Association during a graduation ceremony in Melbourne on Monday night.
According to people present at the event, Mr de Bruyn spoke about his union achievements for several minutes before veering into abortion, which he strongly opposes.
Student Charlie Panteli told ABC Radio Melbourne Mr de Bruyn’s speech “took a hard-right turn” and took those present by surprise.
“He started talking about how abortion was wrong and he had a list of things he wanted to talk about and it was shocking,” he said.
“I only heard abortions and IVF and I was one of the first to get up and I was quite far down the front and I started to signal I was going.
“It was the most selfish speech to give at a graduation. He did not reference us at all.”
Joe de Bruyn was the national secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union. (Dean Lewins, file photo: AAP)
Mr Panteli said he estimated “95 per cent” of people left the auditorium as Mr de Bruyn continued to speak.
“I think the people sticking around were filming it because they were all so shocked that they thought the news should get out,” he said.
“There was a sense of solidarity. We all got up and we all left, like we’re not going to be a part of this.”
The ABC has contacted Mr de Bruyn for comment.
University expresses ‘regret’ over offence caused to audience
A spokesperson for the university said Mr de Bruyn was given an honorary degree “in recognition of his dedication to the rights of workers, educational advancement, and improving social welfare”.
“Mr de Bruyn’s remarks at the ceremony were delivered in a personal capacity,” they said.
“While his views may not be shared by some of our staff and students, as a university we encourage the respectful exchange of ideas that represent the wide spectrum of our diverse community.
“Graduation is a special day and it’s important to us that our graduates and their families have a positive experience.
“The university understands that many of our staff, graduates and their families disagreed with the content of Mr de Bruyn’s speech and we regret that this occurred.”
The Australian Catholic University has expressed regret over how Mr de Bruyn’s speech was received. (ABC News: David Maguire)
The university said it was committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for students and staff of all beliefs.
Mr Panteli said he was disappointed by the university’s response.
“I would like them to apologise because this guy did hijack our day. His speech had nothing to do with anything really. It wasn’t appropriate,” he said.
“They market themselves as an inclusive business and then to support and give this person an honorary doctorate, I just think it’s appalling and he should be stripped of that title.”
Mr de Bruyn was national secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union from 1978 to 2014 and has been a member of the Labor Party National Executive.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australian in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2022.
