Monash staff face termination for not completing Indigenous history training module

Monash University staff could be fired if they do not complete a compulsory training program on Indigenous history.

Monash University staff can be fired if they do not complete mandatory Indigenous culture training.

The 20-minute online program, which launched on Thursday, is compulsory for all Australian staff working for the university, including contractors.

They must complete the new virtual training module about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their history and culture by December 31.

According to Monash’s compliance training guidelines, refusing to complete the module is a procedure breach.

This means that the university can terminate staff or bring disciplinary action against them if they do not do the training.

Monash University staff must complete a training module about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their history and culture. Picture: Getty

Monash’s senior vice president Sharon Pickering said in a letter to staff that the program was part of the university’s aim of respecting Indigenous peoples and culture and acknowledging their history.

“The training will provide our Monash community with the invaluable opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the rich and complex histories of the lands on which we work and live, and consider ways to acknowledge First Nations peoples and live out the University’s core values,” Prof Pickering said.

But a staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said the university’s approach was “heavy handed” and that he has refused to complete the training.

“It’s reached the point where I’m ashamed to put my Monash lanyard around my neck each morning,” he said.

“It’s a University that preaches diversity and inclusion but cannot tolerate anyone who simply wants to perform their role instead of subscribing to a relentless left-wing agenda.

“I’ve even seen staff delivering Acknowledgment to Country messages at the beginning of Zoom meetings despite the fact that these meetings are held in cyberspace, not on anyone’s land.”

One Monash University employee says he is refusing to complete the training. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A spokeswoman for the university said the unit, titled Cultural Foundations: Building your knowledge of Australia’s First Peoples, was one of several mandatory modules staff must complete.

“The Module provides information on the Indigenous history of the Victorian lands on which Monash campuses are located, and outlines ways to acknowledge First Nations peoples,” she said.

“It is a condition of employment that all staff complete all mandatory training modules, to ensure they have broad and up-to-date understanding of a range of issues. If staff are concerned about completing any of the modules, they are encouraged to speak with their supervisor.”

Monash also locks students out of their online learning hub if they do not submit modules on consent, drinking and Indigenous history – barring them from lecture recordings and weekly materials until.

Earlier this month, it backtracked on a policy that required students to include an Acknowledgement of Country on assignments to avoid losing marks.

It is common for university staff and students to complete mandatory training.

La Trobe University students cannot live in campus accommodation or graduate until they complete academic integrity and Indigenous cultural awareness units.

All Australian Catholic University students must complete an academic integrity unit before they can access their results.