The federal government has tools to pull universities into line. Will it use them to tackle sexual violence?

Students and safety advocates say the federal government needs to take immediate and substantial action to curtail sexual violence at universities.

Welcoming Labor's commitment to work with national cabinet as a good start, advocates say the federal government can do more to hold unis accountable on the issue by using funding measures and an independent accountability mechanism.

Australian Human Rights Institute Research Fellow Dr Allison Henry spoke to ABC News about the announcement.

Read the full interview here.