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
-
- Student News
- University
Swinburne placement students to receive financial support
Eligible Swinburne students will soon be able to participate in a new government payment scheme to help ease the financial burden associated with unpaid placements. The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is a $331.65 weekly payment for the duration of mandatory, unpaid placement, available from 1 July 2025.
Thursday 08 May 2025 -
- Business
- Design
Swinburne recognises Indigenous leaders with honorary doctorates
Swinburne has awarded honorary doctorates to Ian Hamm and Jefa Greenaway, recognising their significant contributions to Indigenous leadership and design.
Thursday 01 May 2025 -
- University
- Media and Communication
Amber's dreams are becoming a reality at Swinburne
With support from Swinburne University of Technology’s Moondani Toombadool Centre, Graduate Diploma of Psychology student Amber Briggs is turning her dreams into a reality.
Tuesday 29 April 2025 -
- Science
- University
- Sustainability
Swinburne announces Professor Joy Sumner as FACET Co-Director
Swinburne has announced Professor Joy Sumner as the new Co-Director of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET)
Monday 28 April 2025 -
- University
- Education
Swinburne shines in 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject
Swinburne University of Technology has achieved a total of 17 subjects ranked in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Thursday 13 March 2025