The university is looking forward to hosting the Tibetan spiritual leader - in June.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-23/university-of-sydney-to-host-dalai-lama/4647110

With public pressure being what it is, SU would have little option other than to back peddle and have the Dalai Lama on campus to speak. Unfortunately for the 'hierakies' down at SU they don't come out smelling to good from all this. Must say nice to see a bit of compromise from all concerned and who wouldn't want such a person as the DL to front up at their humble establishment and chin wag for a while.
Beach person, was me who referred to you as Beach person in the first place, not meaning to insult, just me. Anyway you can call me The Little Green Pixie if you like. I did like that one, or any dog name you can think of, can't be insulted, experts have tried and failed, don't think you are that kind of person anyway.

The statement by Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR) director John Keane does not say that prior approval by the university administration is superfluous:

"The University of Sydney and IDHR remain firmly committed to the principle that academics are free to invite to our campus anyone who has a legitimate contribution to make to public debate," Professor Keane said.
It appears to confirm not challenge, what the university has been saying all along, that prior approval by university administration remains necessary. "Free to invite" does not obviate the requirement for prior consideration and approval. Considered dispassionately, prior request and approval would be obligatory to avoid clashes with other commitments and activities anyhow.

There is a lot of politics and speculation in the ABC's report.

However the good thing is that approval has been sought and given and the event will now take place.

OTB, I assume you never had a problem with the Dalai Lama speaking on campus, don't think any fair minded person would. What I took acceptation to was a perceived attempt at "censorship" by SU, knowing full well that the Chinese Government do not warm to the Dalai Lama as he is seen as a focal point for Tibetan dissidents throughout the world, and the Chines government like to silence him whenever possible. Naturally it is only right that the university be informed as to when such an important person would be on campus and proper arrangements be put in place for such a visit, a bit of logistics. Possible the VC should be part of the welcoming party etc.
To me its not for the VC or anyone place to dictate who will, or who will not, speak on campus. If anywhere should be open to free speech it is a university campus. I would protest if they denied the Yellow Wiggle the right to speak after being invited.

Dear Poirot,

Thanks for the link.
Students at Sydney Uni were going to have a
huge protest today - but it looks like they
now won't have to. It really is great news.
And it's another win for the staff and students.
The staff had gone on strike in March to have
their Enterprise Agreement include intellectual
freedom (which had been left out) put back.
They won that right. It also appears that the
Dalai Lama's office had been in contact with the
university's administration all along. So the
university has finally decided to do the right
thing. Applied pressure did work - finally.

cont'd ...

Here's a link that may be of interest:

http://newmatilda.com/2013/04/18/intellectual-freedom-under-threat-sydney