NAAUC’s Statement of Support for the Voice To Parliament

NAAUC has a long history of supporting equal rights and justice for all groups in our diverse society, and this support extends to our First Nations peoples. We have supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart consistently and have published previous statements regarding this topic. The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for Voice, Treaty and Truth.

As we approach the upcoming referendum, NAAUC reaffirms its support for positive change within our society, and regarding this topic. 

NAAUC stands for the rights of the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living and working in university colleges now and in the future. We encourage a change within our society that enables them to look forward to our nation’s future that not only includes and respects their existence, but views it as a proud and incredible part of our history - a legacy that we are lucky to have as part of our nation. 

NAAUC welcomes holistic, evidenced based, and respectful discussions about how our nation comes to terms with its past, and what we want the nation that young people will inherit to look like. 

While we appreciate and respect that this discussion will involve a range of differing opinions, we encourage everyone to allow themselves the space to engage with diverse and academically respected educational resources prior to October 14th. This is the creation of history, and we encourage all students to actively participate in this momentous period. An educated vote is best and will ensure the fairest result for all Australians. 

Evelyn Unwin Tew

NAAUC President, on behalf of the Executive Committee