Understanding the Voice to Parliament

Flinders University acknowledges as a nation we are at a watershed moment with the call for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, to be enshrined in the Australian constitution.

Emanating from The Uluru Statement, a Voice to Parliament is one of three key aspirational elements of reforms intended to represent a unified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As an institution of higher learning and scholarship we recognise we have a pivotal role in leading fearless conversations on the principle for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice within the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, through a national referendum.

We are committed to freedom of speech grounded in the Flinders University values of integrity and courage. With this intent we acknowledge that there will be differing opinions, and therefore support dynamic and full spirited perspectives within a respectful and safe environment.

The call for a Voice to Parliament is also an opportunity to enhance cultural learning and further support the vision of the University’s inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, ‘in building understanding and acceptance of our shared histories, as we work towards a shared future’. The University envisions that this historic call is an opportunity for allyship and self-learning.

Flinders University, as part of its role as a civic institution, is actively facilitating conversations through education and awareness raising programs.