Media releases

Federation University Australia has endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart as the First Nations Voice Week of Action takes place across Australia.

Endorsement of the statement is the latest step in the University’s ongoing journey in supporting the national reconciliation movement and working collaboratively and inclusively to advance outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart invites the Australian people to walk together to address its elements of Voice, Treaty, and Truth, with Federation joining organisations across the nation including corporates, universities, and peak bodies that have also endorsed the statement.

The first element of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a First Nations Voice to Parliament, will be addressed in a Constitutional Referendum in late 2023 or early 2024.

Federation has also just established the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice, led by Professor Andrew Gunstone, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Reconciliation, which will be launched at Federation’s Ballarat Campus (SMB) on 15 March.

Quote attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“Federation’s endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important and heartfelt as Australia enters a pivotal moment in its history. Our University is committed to increasing its regional and national engagement and leadership in reconciliation, and our endorsement of the Statement, and establishment of the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice are important steps in achieving our objectives of transforming lives and enhancing communities.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University Professor Andrew Gunstone, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Reconciliation.

“The endorsing of the beautifully evocative Uluru Statement from the Heart, with its commitments to Voice, Treaty and Truth, is a critical step in Federation University’s reconciliation journey. We are strongly committed to a holistic and substantial approach to reconciliation.”

“The National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice will lead industry, community and academic transformational change at regional and national levels. We have recently appointed three senior Indigenous Professors to the National Centre to help lead this work”.