ANU to host national policy forum to progress Indigenous agenda

ANU will host a major forum in 2018 on national indigenous policies and governance, taking in the lessons from First Nations around the world and including participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Federal politicians. The forum, to be held in Canberra's Old Parliament House in July, will involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from around Australia as well as experts and representatives from First Nations peoples from other countries. Co-convenor Professor Mick Dodson AM said the historic event would work to provide solid policy options to help Australia advance indigenous governance, recognition and policies. "The forum will consider the lessons learned from other jurisdictions such as New Zealand, Canada, the United States and Scandinavian countries," said Professor Dodson, Director of the ANU National Centre for Indigenous Studies. "ANU is well placed, not only because we are the national university and this is part of our role, but because we can bring objectivity and academic rigour to these challenging issues." The forum will include presentations by Aboriginal politicians the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Minister for Indigenous Health, the Hon Linda Burney MP, Shadow Minister for Human Services, Senator Patrick Dodson and Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Minister Wyatt encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to attend to help inform the political, social and community agenda. "I congratulate ANU on bringing together Indigenous leaders," Minister Wyatt said.