A message from the Vice-Chancellor: The Voice to Parliament
Friday, 05 May 2023
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Professor Steve Chapman CBE, Vice-Chancellor, ECU
Kaya,
Following last night’s meeting of the University Council, I am proud to announce that our University will be supporting the call for the constitutional change and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the establishment of a Voice to Parliament.
Edith Cowan University supports recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution through the enshrining of a Voice to Parliament and is proud to advocate for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum.
Having previously endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, our public endorsement of the Voice and ‘Yes’ vote is the authentic position for ECU to take. It aligns with our values as an institution and our long-standing commitment to advocating for social justice and positive change in our communities.
The University acknowledges that there will be diverse views on the Voice to Parliament within our community and remains committed to creating space for informed public debate that is respectful and true to our values.
Backed by the University’s Executive, Academic Board and University Council, ECU is proud to support this important step in our nation’s journey toward reconciliation.
As we head toward a vote in the latter part of this year, we will provide a range of opportunities and resources to enable our ECU community to hear from diverse perspectives on the proposed change to the Constitution.
I want to thank the ECU staff who have put in considerable work to get us to this point and particularly appreciate the nuanced insights provided by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community at ECU in informing our position.
Professor Steve Chapman CBE
Vice-Chancellor
5 May 2022