CQUniversity launches new Reconciliation Action Plan
CQUniversity has launched its latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to mark the start of National Reconciliation Week, unveiling the plan at a forum in Rockhampton, and livestreamed to campus events across Australia.
The new RAP – a Stretch RAP, which requires organisations to embed reconciliation initiatives into business strategies, so they become ‘business as usual’ – reflects CQUniversity’s ongoing leadership in First Nations engagement, and its vision for reconciliation at an institution and sector level.
CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp said that the new three-year plan reflects the University’s ongoing journey towards reconciliation and builds on the significant achievements of its previous reconciliation initiatives.
“At CQUniversity, we recognise our role as leaders in driving genuine action towards reconciliation and making a change within the wider tertiary education sector and our communities.
“CQUniversity is committed to embedding reconciliation into every facet of our university operations, from governance and strategic planning to education and research,” Professor Klomp said.
“Through our Stretch RAP we are committed to empowering individuals and teams to drive change and create impact within their sphere of influence.
“Our commitment to reconciliation is a responsibility shared by every member of our university community and together we aim to work towards a more united and reconciled Australia that honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, language, history and knowledge systems.”
Professor Adrian Miller, Vice-President Indigenous Engagement at CQUniversity explained that the University’s vision for reconciliation lies with achieving a more equitable Australia through the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples, and using education as a catalyst for change.
“Based around the principles of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance, we aim to lead and deliver positive outcomes when it comes to race relations and cultural understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people within our university community.
“We also aim to improve equity and equality by removing barriers to education and employment for First Nations Peoples; recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures and histories; and actively support unity initiatives and through the development of industry and community partnerships.
“More than ever before, it is vital we come together – in treaty-making and truth-telling – to understand our shared histories and realise a way forward.
“While we already have a lot to be proud of in our reconciliation journey to-date, there is still more for us to do – both as a university and as a nation,” Professor Miller said.
In the new CQUniversity Stretch RAP foreward, Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia Karen Mundine congratulated CQU on the new Stretch RAP, and highlighted the importance of CQU’s flexible education model, commitment to equity and accessibility, and its strong recognition of First Nations principles and knowledge across its operations.
CQUniversity has already commenced operational delivery of the Stretch RAP, which will be in place until 2028.
Along with its Stretch RAP, CQUniversity also unveiled a new Reconciliation Statement that acknowledges the deep impacts of colonisation, racial discrimination and prejudice on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
It also commits CQU to stand in solidarity with Australia’s First Nations Peoples by acknowledging shared history and addressing injustices on the path to mutual understanding, empowerment and equity for all.
