Reconciliation Statement

Reconciliation with the Indigenous People of Australia

The University of Melbourne embraces the vision of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation for:

A united Australia which represents this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.

The University of Melbourne endorses the wish of the majority of Australians to participate in the creation of a diverse and harmonious nation which acknowledges

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original inhabitants of the continent;
• Recognises their loss of land, children, health and kin, and the erosion of their languages, culture and lore;
• and believes that Australia will only become a mature nation when the past is acknowledged, so that the present can be understood and the future confidently based on the co-existence of rights.

The University of Melbourne records its deep regrets for the injustices suffered by the Indigenous people of Australia as a result of European settlement. It is sorry for the hurt and harm caused by the forced removal of children and families and its effect on the human dignity and spirit of Indigenous Australians.

As a leading Australian research and teaching institution which, as part of the wider community, respects, shares and seeks to understand better the diverse cultures, languages, history and contemporary experiences of Australia's Indigenous people, the University seeks to contribute to the process of reconciliation. The University is committed to increasing access to higher education for Indigenous students. It is also committed, through consultation with Indigenous students and staff, to developing curriculum, first rate services and support and decision making processes which encourage Indigenous students and staff to realise their full potential.

The University recognises that the onus for initiating the reconciliation process lies primarily with the non-Indigenous students and staff of the University. The University believes commitment to the process of reconciliation to be vital to the attainment of a better future for all Australians and to a confident society that respects difference, is concerned for the environment, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all.

Professor Alan D Gilbert, Vice-Chancellor
Professor Thomas W Healy, President, Academic Board
Shelley Marshall, President, Melbourne University Student Union
Alana Chinn, President, University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association

1999