Swinburne reaffirms support for Voice to Parliament

Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and proud Wiradjuri man, Professor John Evans
In summary
Swinburne has reaffirmed its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the constitution
Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and proud Wiradjuri man, Professor John Evans, says the Voice to Parliament is an important national reform
Swinburne is committed to advancing reconciliation by embedding self-determination, cultural safety and Indigenous knowledges across the university
National Reconciliation Week 2023 is particularly unique. It falls during a historic year, in which Australians are being asked to vote in a referendum to recognise First Peoples.
In this spirit, Swinburne University of Technology has reaffirmed its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the constitution.
Swinburne has a strong and demonstrated commitment to actively driving reconciliation and working with Indigenous communities to create positive impact.
Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and proud Wiradjuri man, Professor John Evans, says the proposed Voice to Parliament is an important national reform.
“It marks a significant point in Australia’s maturation as a country looking to be more just and to strengthen its understanding of its Indigenous population,” he says.
“First Nations peoples have a right to expect that their knowledge and experiences are protected by and reflected in policies and programs that govern and determine their futures. This has never been done before and is a key feature of the Voice.
“We welcome this opportunity to unite to create a better future for all Australians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – and believe it is a critical moment for our community to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and representation,” Professor Evans says.

An ‘important start’ for improving outcomes
Professor Evans emphasises the vital importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue to ensure the Voice functions as intended.
“While the Voice is an important national reform, it will not be perfect to start with. Nothing is perfect, and the pursuit of perfection often prevents us from doing anything.
“There will need to be years of discussion and constant recalibration to make sure the Voice is serving its purpose,” he said.
“But it is an important start to improving outcomes for Australia’s Indigenous population and will be a significant improvement on what we have at the moment.”
Professor Evans offers the following advice to individuals contemplating the decision ahead.
“My advice to people would be to not get caught up in the politics or be distracted by perfection. Look at the Voice for what it is and be critical about how it can be further improved to help our Indigenous population,” he said.
“By maintaining this dialogue, we can ensure that the Voice stays relevant and is in the best interest of our people for generations to come.”
Conscious of varying perspectives within the community, Professor Evans asserts the need for progress.
“While we know there are a range of views on the proposal within our community, we believe that this is an important step forward for our country,” he said.
“We welcome an informed and respectful debate, but support a First Nations Voice enshrined in the constitution, as an organisation that is committed to leadership on reconciliation.”
Swinburne was the first Australian university to achieve ‘Elevate’ status from Reconciliation Australia for its Reconciliation Action Plan and is committed to advancing reconciliation by embedding self-determination, cultural safety and Indigenous knowledges across the university.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- University
This dynasty won't end with Rupert: The Murdoch story is still being written
Australians grew up in a media landscape entirely dominated by Murdoch's mastheads and two generations came of age in a political landscape shaped by the whim of his media empire.
Monday 25 September 2023 -
- University
Swinburne and Breakthrough Victoria create $18 million investment partnership to support Swinburne spinouts
Swinburne University of Technology will co-invest $9 million in investment, which is matched by Breakthrough Victoria, to create new ventures to drive commercialisation of our research.
Thursday 21 September 2023 -
- Business
Swinburne alum and global HR leader unlocking people’s ‘inner hero’
Anoop Chaudhuri’s career with Ford has spanned more than thirty years, three continents and 14 roles. He now leads HR for Ford and is passionate about helping individuals and teams thrive.
Thursday 21 September 2023 -
- University
Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester reappointed for second term
The Swinburne University of Technology Council has approved the reappointment of Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pascale Quester, for a second five-year term.
Monday 07 August 2023 -
- Health
- University
Swinburne to help drive change in Victoria’s mental health system
Swinburne is an academic partner within the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing’s Adult and Older Adult Best Practice Consortium.
Thursday 10 August 2023