News

February 24, 2014

IRU commits to being universities of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff

The seven Innovative Research Universities (IRU) committed to being the universities of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff, today at Parliament House, Canberra.

The IRU Statement of Intent sets out how the IRU members will implement a whole of university approach to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and building understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and knowledge.

“Higher education is crucial to addressing areas of disadvantage and ensuring successful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The 2014 Bridging the Gap Report shows the challenge is very real” Professor Dewar, IRU Chair and Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University said

“IRU members’ history of engagement is why we currently educate 25% of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students and employ 24% of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. We are well ahead of the national figures in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments and completions, but the challenges remain to match State and National benchmarks for participation and completion”, Professor Dewar said.

The 2012 Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People made clear that the way ahead requires all parts of the university to take responsibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders outcomes.

“Our Indigenous units are essential elements but they cannot be responsible for all actions across the university. Rather they offer an important source of advice and a place of particular support for students and staff. We will follow through the actions in the Statement, involving all parts of our universities” Professor Dewar concluded.