KATRINA BRANDON
By KATRINA BRANDON
FEDERATION University’s Gippsland campus held a seminar on Reconciliation Week and about what is happening behind the Voice in Parliament campaign on Tuesday, May 30.
One of the speakers, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Reconciliation, Andrew Gunstone explained that it is for everyone to come listen to clarifications on misconceptions behind the Voice and to greatly inform students, teachers and those in the community about it.
“The idea is we will be providing a background to the Voice for students, teachers, and is welcome to you, the community to come along,” he said.
As well as Mr Gunstone, others speakers were Federation University Council member Dr Doris Paton, Federation University Aboriginal Education Centre Higher Education Team Leader Nick Johnson and National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice Professorial Research Fellow Professor Dennis Foley.
Mr Gunstone also mentioned that from experience he has found that all programs have been really strong with great success rates. As well as more businesses taking into account what they can educate themselves about communities around.
The Voice in Parliament, according to Mr Gunstone, will be receiving recognition of advice and education on Aboriginal matters. The Parliament does not have to accept the advice given, more decide on it together.
“The Voice will not be a veto power. It is not a vote against democracy,” he stated.
It is simply advice and it is to be put into consideration.
Federation University is there to educate for everyone in the area, open to questions, and is happy to give any information for those willing.
“I feel that the community is only just taking more notice now that the election has come up and more is in the media about The Voice,” Mr Gunstone said.
“The best thing you can do is to educate yourself from reputable sources and to converse with your friends, family and community about it.”
As a bonus for more on the issue, there is an annual reconciliation seminar by Noel Pearson at the Melbourne campus and available via livestream on Thursday, July 13.
