First Nations Student Officer Right of Reply

Student Council Responds

Student President’s Right of Reply

First Nations Student Officer Right of Reply

Voting unanimously for autonomous voting is one thing, ensuring the policy and process is professionally and democratically safeguarded is one of the core aims of my tenure. Transparency is key to the values of FUSA - so with that in mind, it’s important to highlight that autonomous voting was passed last year. The issue now is how to guarantee that all First Nations people have a voice, especially when identification technology can leave many voiceless. This is why universities such as UniSA and Adelaide haven’t passed autonomous voting.

While it’s incredibly important to highlight decolonisation of FUSA and Flinders University, it’s interesting that while the author is shocked at the lack of paneldiversity in FUSA’s hiring processes, they themselves didn’t feel the need to consult with a range of First Nations peoples, on what is a First Nations issue. The fact that this article doesn’t have a name attached to it, is inappropriate as the topics discussed are one for our community. Not knowing who authored this piece is a red flag.

To comment on this piece, I’d like to highlight that there’s no coverage of my work as a First Nations Officer in ET, and while I would like to highlight my work developing dual signage policy and my upcoming visit to NT and Mt Gambier campuses, my work is for First Nations students. And I speak to them directly about First Nations issues.

I don’t believe this article is about decolonisation, I believe it’s targeted and lacks integrity - it’s inappropriate and not at all in the spirit of dismantling racist systems and slows the progression of serious cultural issues that are in place to marginalise and push First nations students down further. Any form of rhetoric that is not supportive of these changes and the people that are trying to improve the lives of First Nations students on campus by non-first nations people is inherently racist and perpetrates and continues racist systems that were put in place to oppress and discriminate First Nations people further.

Another major issue that I plan on targeting this year is making sure Empire Times and their writers undertake cultural sensitivity training - which is something FUSA SC all do.

If you identify as First Nations - I am having drop-in times for anyone who wants to come hang out, this semester it’ll be Wednesdays 12pm-2pm at FUSA. If you’re not based on Bedford Park campus, you can reach out to me via the First Nations Collective or email me at firstnations.officer@flinders.edu.au

Student Council responses have been printed exactly as they were received. The Editors would like to extend their gratitude to Yunggorendi for their guidance regarding ‘Decolonisation at FUSA: A Conversation Far From Over’.