Truth-telling and Justice at the University of Melbourne

The University has supported injustices called progress, half-truths presented as facts, and prejudices pretending at objectivity.

_{Dhoombak Goobgoowana: A History of Indigenous Australia and the University of Melbourne, Volume I: Truth, 2024.}

The University of Melbourne is beginning to confront its role, past and present, in the settler-colonial project of so-called Australia.

Following years of investigation, in May 2024 the University launched Dhoombak Goobgoowana: A History of Indigenous Australia and the University of Melbourne, an independent work edited by Dr Ross L Jones, Dr James Waghorne and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO.

While the publication of Volume 1, titled Truth, was a landmark moment for the University, it is just the first step in an on-going process of reckoning with the truth. This process of institutional reckoning, dialogue and repair will be progressed through the University Truth and Justice Project.

The University Truth and Justice Project

The University Truth and Justice project is a signature project of Murmuk Djerring, the University’s current Indigenous strategy.

The project aims to address the University’s role in historical and on-going injustices committed against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through an institutional process of truth-telling, justice, and transformation.

An Indigenous-led steering committee chaired by Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), leads this work. Members include Traditional Owners and Elders, academic experts, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders from across the University.

This webpage contains some basic information about the project and will be updated regularly as the project develops.

Why truth-telling?

The land has not been returned; racism persists in the institution. But the University no longer wishes to look away.

_{Dhoombak Goobgoowana: A History of Indigenous Australia and the University of Melbourne, Volume I: Truth, 2024.}

The University is committed to truth-telling and justice as an institutional priority.

Truth-telling is necessary to carry on the work started by the Indigenous History of the University project and the two volumes of Dhoombak Goobgoowana. These books provide a sound basis, demonstrating new approaches to truth telling and revealing new avenues for future work. More work is now required to centre the voice and experience of First Peoples.

In this truth-telling, the University is seeking a fuller account of its history drawing on the testimony of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni and partners – past and present.

As well as seeking a shared-understanding of the historic and contemporary role of the University in colonialism, truth-telling also offers an opportunity for reflection, for healing, and for justice.

Partnering with First Peoples to come to a shared understanding of what redress and repair looks like is a vital part of this important project.

What will the project do?

The project will deliver the following major outputs:

• Establish a ‘Truth and Dialogue Centre’ at the University of Melbourne as a permanent home for truth-telling activities (including research, dialogue, education)
• Produce new understandings of the University’s role in historic and current injustices, based on the voice and testimony of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Incorporate material from Dhoombak Goobgoowana – and future truth-telling activities – into curricula
• Establish a dialogue process with First Peoples to come to a shared understanding of redress, repair, and justice
• Develop a dedicated digital home for truth-telling materials, including a digital repository/archive
• Host events, conferences and seminars.

Learn more about truth-telling at the University

• Read Professor Barry Judd's reflections on what the University's involvement in the Walk for Truth illustrates about engaging Indigenous communities.

• Western District squatters, the Walk for Truth and the University of Melbourne.

• Why the University of Melbourne is Walking for Truth.

• Tune in to Uncurated, an award-winning podcast produced by University of Melbourne graduate student. Season 3 is based on Dhoombak Goobgoowana.

• The Truth and Justice project is developing a relationship with the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

• The Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor gave evidence to the Yoorrook Justice Commission in June 2024.