We, the Board and Executive Leadership Group of Melbourne Polytechnic, acknowledge the history of systemic disadvantage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and support the Uluru Statement from the Heart which reflects the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for constitutional recognition and a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.
Later in 2023, the Federal Government will be taking a referendum to the people where we as Australians will be asked whether we approve a change to the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Victoria is the first jurisdiction in Australia to action all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the Victorian Government supports the Federal Government’s position on establishing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
We are committed to implementing the range of Government plans and policies designed to enhance outcomes for Aboriginal students, staff and community. We believe in the power of education to foster understanding, respect and reconciliation. By actively engaging with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, we create an environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equitable opportunities, and cultivates cultural understanding among our staff and students.
Melbourne Polytechnic is proud of its long standing and ongoing engagement and partnership with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, students and staff. We recognise the importance of community collaboration and input into the development and implementation of our annual Wurreker Plan, Aboriginal Education Strategy and our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.
We recognise the importance of involving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in establishing a culturally safe and supportive educational environment that not only promotes empowerment, respect, and academic achievement, but also creates meaningful employment pathways and opportunities for students to thrive and contribute to their communities and the broader society.
We encourage all members of the Melbourne Polytechnic community to actively participate in the upcoming referendum. This includes registering to vote, staying informed about the issues at hand, and engaging in respectful and meaningful dialogue with others. We believe that by participating in this democratic process, we can demonstrate our commitment to justice, equality and reconciliation.
Irrespective of the referendum outcome, consistent with our organisational objectives, Melbourne Polytechnic remains committed to the recognition and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Refer to the following resources for more information: