Australia's Human Rights Commissioner says universities should consider a code of conduct that ensures controversial figures can speak more freely on campus, as the Morrison government grows increasingly concerned about campus politics.

Ed Santow, who is responsible for free speech issues at the Australian Human Rights Commission, said freedom of expression at universities was on the organisation's radar in the wake of several controversies involving political protests.

"Of course we care deeply about freedom of speech on campus," he told Fairfax Media. "We also want to be supportive where there’s a desire to combat hateful speech."

"We care deeply about freedom of speech on campus": Human Rights Commissioner Ed Santow. Credit:Brendan Esposito

Campus politics is under the spotlight as the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation struggles to find a home at an Australian university. And last week, author Bettina Arndt met fierce protests before a speech at the University of Sydney from students who disagree with her view there is no "rape crisis" on campuses.