Griffith University has affirmed its support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the terms set out in the proposed referendum to change the Constitution.
Griffith University Chancellor, The Honourable Andrew Fraser said recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution through the establishment of a Voice aligns with Griffith’s values and its history as an institution that supports reconciliation and the advancement of First Peoples.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans said the Voice to Parliament is a step towards reconciliation in our country.
“Griffith University is a values led organisation which recognises the importance of Australia’s First Peoples and promotes respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and talent.”
Griffith University Statement:
Griffith University’s campuses are based on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri people. As a values led university, we are committed to just relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and celebrating their culture, knowledge and talents.
Griffith University expresses its support of an Indigenous Voice in the terms set out in the proposed referendum to change the Constitution.
We are committed to providing materials and space for informed discussion. We affirm our commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech and acknowledge that members of the Griffith staff and student community will have a diversity of views on the Voice. We respect their right to express those views.
This year will be a significant one for Australia and for the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We resolve that Griffith University will model respectful dialogue, living our values of both respect for First Peoples and for informed discussion.
Griffith has published a website dedicated to supporting informed and respectful debate leading up to the Voice to Parliament Referendum which includes expert opinion, links to relevant information for those on each side of the argument, information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who require support, and guidelines encouraging respectful discussion.