Griffith University expresses its support of an Indigenous Voice in the terms set out in the proposed referendum to change the Constitution.
We are committed to providing materials and space for informed discussion. We affirm our commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech and acknowledge that members of the Griffith staff and student community will have a diversity of views on the Voice. We respect their right to express those views.
This year will be a significant one for Australia and for the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We resolve that Griffith University will model respectful dialogue, living our values of both respect for First Peoples and for informed discussion.
As Australia awaits the announcement of the referendum date, it’s crucial to consider fulfilling civic duty responsibly. Widespread misinformation necessitates understanding the referendum proposal, sparking respectful discussions within communities. Dr Kate Galloway says that regardless of whether a person ultimately decides to vote yes or no, they should make that decision from an informed position.
As the movement toward an Indigenous voice in parliament builds from strategic Indigenous structural powerlessness, logical questions arise from the act of joining proposed by the Uluru Statement.
The upcoming referendum in Australia requires voters to choose between a yes or no response to a single question: “Do you agree that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a say in matters that particularly affect them?” There is no other option, and voters have no opportunity to alter or accept the proposal in part says Dr Kate Galloway..
Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research scholars Dr Troy Meston and Associate Professor Debbie Bargallie ask what role will education, schools and teachers play in understanding The Voice to Parliament?
Griffith Law School’s Dr Shelley Bielefeld discusses social justice, unjust law and policies, as well as the need for The Voice to Parliament to be robust to make a substantial contribution.
Associate Professor Paul Williams looks to Australia’s 2023 Referendum on The Voice to Parliament and discusses the history of referendum in Australia and what we can expect from the political posturing.
