Universities air their stance on the Voice referendum

As the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to parliament ramps up, universities have begun to air their stance on the upcoming referendum.

UNSW vice-chancellor Attila Brungs.

As the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to parliament ramps up nationwide, universities have begun to air their stance on the upcoming referendum.

On Saturday the Prime Minister declared a “national week of action” to raise awareness in favour of enshrining an Indigenous Voice in Australia’s Constitution.

This came after the University of New South Wales formally pledged its support in favour of the amendment in a written statement on Friday.

“Reconciliation is at the heart of the UNSW Indigenous Strategy 2018–2025 and the UNSW ethos of having a positive impact on the world around us,” UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said.

“UNSW proudly heeds the call of the Uluru Statement from the Heart for all Australians to walk together for a better future.”

The University of Sydney, whose law faculty called on the government to enshrine a First Nations Voice in 2021, said it was “considering its official position.”

“As a public university, throughout our history we have served as a forum for debate on wider political issues rather than to act as a participant in those debates,” a university spokesperson said.

Australian National University Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt told Campus Review he believed the Voice had been well argued for and had not heard a compelling reason not to support it.

“At ANU we are helping to drive this important national conversation, in line with our distinct mission as Australia’s national university,” Professor Schmidt said.

“I encourage everyone to engage with ANU as we host and inform this critical national conversation.”

The University of Wollongong pledged its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart at a university council meeting in April 2022.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson said supporting the Voice went “hand-in-hand with promoting safe, respectful and inclusive communities.”

“The Uluru Statement is a necessary step to ensuring we move forward as a nation,” Professor Davidson said.

“We are committed to the truth-telling and reconciliation that is fundamental to this journey.”

Charles Darwin University, which bases its main campus in Darwin, said the university was in consultation with First Nations leaders and will release its position over the next two weeks.

Queensland University of Technology also said it was currently drafting a formal discussion paper on the Voice through the executive and to council.

“It is important that as an educational institution we continue to respect individual differences and academic freedom and provide environments that provide culturally safe space for of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait staff and students,” a QUT spokesperson said,

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said she personally supported the Voice.

“We are so privileged to live on the lands of the oldest continuing living culture in the world,” Professor Hayne said.

“I am grateful for their generous support, patience, and wisdom, and I support the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.”

A referendum on First Nations recognition in the constitution will be held in the second half of this year.