Universities Australia welcomes the forthcoming referendum to establish a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution based on the principle of providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with a stronger say on legislation and policy that impact Indigenous communities and quality of life.
Universities Australia's Indigenous Strategy for 2022-2025 presents a series of values which acknowledge that true partnerships between universities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities both within and outside universities are essential to delivering the best outcomes.
Such partnerships should give voice to Indigenous people in decision making that affects them.
As leading centres of learning and scholarship, universities are uniquely placed to educate our communities in relation to important social and political issues.
As the advocacy body for the higher education sector, Universities Australia will work with members to promote and facilitate sector wide discussion about the First Nations Voice to Parliament underpinned by academic freedom and a commitment to the cultural safety of our Indigenous students and staff.
Further, Universities Australia recognises that our commitment to the work required to achieve fairness and social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will continue beyond, but be informed by, the discussions surrounding the constitutional reform.
