anu National centre for indigenous studies
Submission to National Human Rights Consultative Committee
The government has launched a public consultation process, run by an independent committee supported by the Attorney-General's Department, to gauge people's views about human rights, a question of national importance for all Australians. All submissions (due 15 June 2009) will be documented in a report the government considers when developing its national human rights policy. Community roundtables are being held around Australia (and in Canberra on 30 March 2009 at the National Convention Centre).
The consultation is concerned with these 3 key issues:
- Which human rights and responsibilities should be protected and promoted?
- Are human rights currently sufficiently protected and promoted?
- How could Australia better protect and promote human rights?
The Centre's submission identifies legislative options that offer rights the maximal protection possible but also advocates constitutional entrenchment which is outside the Committee's terms of reference.
Key NCIS Researchers:
- Professor Mick Dodson
- Jo-Anne Weinman
Project commenced in January 2009 - 15 June 2009
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australian national university reconciliation action plan
The Australian National University (ANU), in partnership with Reconciliation Australia, is among the first universities to develop its own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP program was launched nation-wide in July 2006 by Reconciliation Australia. Through its RAP the ANU commits to facilitating equitable socio-economic outcomes, in particular through improving its education and research practices, while recognising and respecting the special place, culture and contribution of Australia Indigenous peoples.
Professor Mick Dodson chairs the ANU RAP Committee comprising Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics and general staff from across the campus, as well as Indigenous student and community members with relevant expertise. The Committee identified areas of activity where the University could enhance its Indigenous involvement by establishing initiatives with clear actions, deadlines and measurable targets. After a period of extensive consulting and drafting, the document will be submitted to various ANU executive polities for consideration and endorsement.
It is anticipated that the ANU RAP will be launched in mid 2009.
Key NCIS Researchers:
- Professor Mick Dodson (Chair, Steering Committee)
- Jo-Anne Weinman
Project commenced in 2008 - Ongoing
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footprints in time: longitudinal study of indigenous children
Department of Families & Housing, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs Project
Research undertaken in partnership with the Department of Families and Housing, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs to develop qualitative data management protocols in a logitudinal study of Indigenous children launched by Minister Jenny Macklin. This is a landmark study tracking longterm development of 2,200 Indigenous children from communities across Australia with the aim of improving understanding of, and policy response to, the diverse circumstances faced by Indigenous children, families and communities. A data resource will be created which Australian governments, researchers, service providers, parents and communities can draw on.
Key NCIS Researchers:
- Professor Mick Dodson (Chair, Steering Committee)
- Dr Sarah Holcombe
Project commenced in April 2008 - Ongoing
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indigenous ecological knowledge (NT)
Project
Developing Indigenous cultural and intellectual property protocols for culturally appropriate management of Indigenous ecological knowledge, in partnership with the Northern Territory National Resource Management Board, Terri Janke & Co. Pty. Ltd. and Jumbunna House of Learning (University of Technology Sydney). Current legislative and administrative frameworks will be reviewed in light of international best practice models.
Key NCIS Researchers:
- Dr Sarah Holcombe
- Terri Janke
Project commenced in 2008 - Ongoing
The publications from this project are:
- Report on the Current Status of Indigenous Intellectual Property
- Guidelines for Indigenous Ecological Knowledge Management (including Archiving & Repatriation)
- Maintain & Strengthen Your Culture: Handbook for Working with Indigenous Ecological Knowledge & Intellectual Property
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indigenous engagement strategy
Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation Project
Developing Indigenous knowledge and intellectual property protocols to ensure appropriate benefit sharing between CSIRO and Indigenous peoples.
Key NCIS Researchers:
- Professor Mick Dodson (Co-Chair, Steering Committee)
- Dr Sarah Holcombe
Project commenced in 2006 - Ongoing
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national representative indigenous body
Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission Project
Research was commissioned by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, addressing the following key issues:
- Which lessons can be learnt from mechanisms for representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that previously existed at a national level?
- What options are there for ensuring that a national Indigenous representative body is sustainable?
- Which lessons can be learnt from mechanisms for representing Indigenous peoples that have been established in other countries?
Key NCIS Researchers:
- Professor Mick Dodson
- Tim Goodwin
- Dr Patrick Sullivan
- Associate Professor Peter Veth
- Jo-Anne Weinman
An issues paper by NCIS researchers in collaboration with Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission researchers was produced in July 2008: Building a Sustainable National Indigenous Representative Body. A summary and accessible community guide are also available.
Project commenced in January 2008 - Ongoing
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