• Section 1 - QUT Reconciliation Statement
• Section 2 - Recognition
• Section 3 - Responsibility
• Section 4 - Commitment
• Learning and Teaching
• Research
• Community Service
• Employment
• Organisational Culture and Environment

Section 1 - QUT Reconciliation Statement

(1) This Statement commits QUT to sustainable reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. The Statement recognises the particular responsibility of educational institutions to redress disadvantage and to overcome prejudice.

Section 2 - Recognition

(2) QUT recognises:

1. that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the custodians of the land, and have a traditional association with the land in accordance with their laws and customs;
2. that this traditional association with, and respect for, land sustains Indigenous cultures, languages, spirituality, art, law, and all other aspects of life treasured by, and held sacred to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3. the social, political, economic and education disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a result of a history of colonisation, dispossession, and unjust legislation, policies and practices;
4. the importance of Indigenous cultures to Australia’s heritage and the dynamic contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the community and to the University;
5. the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to self-determination, to equitable participation in the community and the University, to equitable access to resources and services, and to be treated with respect; and
6. the significance of the reconciliation process in building new relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Section 3 - Responsibility

(3) QUT acknowledges:

1. that for reconciliation to be sustainable over time, local communities and institutions must support, and be involved in, the process; and
2. the particular responsibility of educational institutions to redress disadvantage through Indigenous education and research and to overcome prejudice by educating the Australian community about the cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Section 4 - Commitment

(4) QUT is committed to pursuing its goals of teaching and learning, research and community service, and its other activities, in the spirit of reconciliation.

(5) In consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, QUT will:

Learning and Teaching

(6) Recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, provide opportunities for them to access a wide range of academic programs, and provide academic, social and cultural support services.

(7) Incorporate Indigenous content and perspectives as appropriate into the University’s curriculum and teaching practices.

Research

(8) Encourage appropriate and beneficial research of Indigenous issues, ensuring the research is developed in partnership with Indigenous communities and is conducted in accordance with relevant Indigenous protocols and ethical guidelines.

(9) Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher degree research students and senior researchers, and provide research capacity-building and foster international, national and local research collaborations and opportunities.

Community Service

(10) Encourage staff and students to develop and participate in community service activities that are inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and perspectives.

(11) Engage in public debate and discussion on Indigenous issues to increase awareness and appreciation of Indigenous histories and cultures and to promote reconciliation in the wider community.

Employment

(12) Recruit and support the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff through the development and implementation of an Indigenous Employment and Staff Development Strategy.

Organisational Culture and Environment

(13) Promote activities to increase staff and student awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and to foster communication and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students.

(14) Counter racism by promoting and implementing the University’s policies on cultural diversity and racial discrimination and harassment, paying particular attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences.

(15) Create a University environment that acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and interests, embed Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and practices by ensuring participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in appropriate planning and decision-making, and including appropriate accommodations in organisational practices.

(16) Acknowledge the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members through appropriate awards and media.

(17) Acknowledge the original people of the land on which the University is located, in ways deemed appropriate by the original people, after consultation with the Brisbane Council of Elders, including particular QUT ceremonies, promotional material in print, electronic and virtual media, and in a plaque or other visible monument on each campus.

(18) Acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, in ways deemed appropriate by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including public art, performances and ceremonies.

(19) Formally acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners at appropriate QUT events and occasions.

(20) This Reconciliation Statement provides a framework for QUT’s ongoing activities and efforts toward reconciliation.