The Council of the University of Canberra affirms that reconciliation between Australia’s Indigenous peoples and other Australians is central to the renewal of this nation as a harmonious and just society, a society which lives out its national ethos of a fair go for all; and that until we achieve such reconciliation, this nation will remain diminished, whether as a monarchy or a republic.

 

‘We believe that the University has a clear role in promoting understanding and acceptance of the history of the shared experience of the indigenous peoples and the wider community. We respect indigenous cultures and identity and encourage the University to identify ways in which, as a University community, we can work together in unity and harmony. ‘As members of the Council, we regret that Australia’s indigenous peoples have been forced to bear an undue proportion of the costs of developing an Australian society, and that they do not yet

enjoy a due proportion of its benefits. We pledge ourselves to work for an Australian society in which that can no longer be said and apologise for the wrongs that have been done.’

 

*Approved for issue by the Council of the University of Canberra at its meeting no. 58 of 15 April 1998.