Monash, with the unanimous support of Monash University Council, has released a statement of the University’s commitment to support and contribute to the process outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart ahead of the Federal Government’s referendum to amend the Constitution to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament later in 2023.

This statement reflects our commitment as part of our Strategic Plan, Impact 2030 and the Monash University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework 2019-2030 to supporting and contributing to the Uluru Statement from the Heart process for establishing a First Nations’ Voice to the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia.

As articulated in Impact 2030, striving to build a diverse, inclusive and equitable community for all is a foundational principle for the development of a rich culture at Monash University, where all members of the community are treated with fairness and respect. It is based on this principle that we support the process outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart for a First Nations’ Voice to the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia.

The University’s commitment to supporting the process will also encompass a series of conversations which began with a panel discussion featuring Attorney General Mark Dreyfus MP; Josh Burns MP; Professor Sharon Pickering, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President (Education); and Professor Christopher Lawrence at the Caulfield campus on 24 February and will run through to the referendum later this year.

A full version of the Monash University statement is available below:

In August 2021, Monash University committed, via its Strategic Plan, Impact 2030, to supporting and contributing to the Uluru Statement from the Heart process including a First Nations’ Voice to the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia. The process outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart is intended to empower Indigenous Australians and contribute to justice and self-determination.

Since 1964 Monash University has demonstrated its commitment to Indigenous peoples and cultures from the creation of the Centre for Research into Aboriginal Affairs to the more recent establishment of the William Cooper Institute, a hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, learning, and engagement. William Cooper in 1937 petitioned King George V for Aboriginal representation that would give Aboriginal people a voice in federal parliament 1. Monash University supports Indigenous peoples having meaningful input into decisions that affect their lives and their futures.

In February 2023 Monash University reaffirms its commitment to contributing to the process outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We look forward to a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians walk together toward a fair and truthful relationship and create a vibrant and prosperous future.