The final report of the Universities Accord recommends taking serious initiatives to boost the proportion of Indigenous graduates and leaders in higher education. In post-referendum Australia, this is more critical than ever.
The notion of “nothing about us without us” pervades the report, which includes recommendations for Indigenous leadership in policies, programs, funding, and decision-making. Is that enough?
What is the accord’s recommendation?
One of the report’s primary suggestions is to increase Indigenous engagement at universities. The accord seeks to ensure that Australia’s university student population reflects the demographic composition of the country.
It intends to do this by implementing equity targets. Indigenous Australians currently account for 3.7% of the Australian population but only 1.5% of university completions.
It wants to accomplish this in part by increasing the number of government-funded university slots and scholarships for Indigenous students.
It also includes a major element of self-determination, with a proposed First Nations-led assessment of universities and a First Nations council to advise the federal education minister and sector. The paper also advocates for more Indigenous representation in university leadership and governance positions.
It is not the first time.
While the report’s comments are positive, this is not the first time initiatives have been made to increase Indigenous university enrollment. Despite past reports calling for more Indigenous Australian participation in institutions, completion rates remain low.
So we need more than excellent intentions or goals. Preparing Indigenous Australian students for university requires acknowledging and appreciating various avenues into higher education. This should include recognition of job experience and preparatory programs (rather than merely Year 12 scores), as well as involvement in pre-university experiences and courses.
It should also include mentorship, career counseling, and high school job experience.
Once students have enrolled, universities must provide ongoing support to Indigenous students. This may include culturally responsive teaching methods, access to support resources, and cultivating a sense of belonging on campus
For example, Indigenous support groups for both undergraduate and postgraduate students are critical. This help must be tailored to each student’s specific needs.
The main quadrangle of Sydney University. An antique sandstone building with grass in the center.
Indigenous students require additional assistance in obtaining and retaining a university education. Camille Chen/Unsplash (CC BY)
Financial support is a challenge.
Financial constraints might impede students from completing their degrees, particularly those from low-income families, remote locations, or Indigenous students.
Rising living expenses are worsening students’ financial problems.
Many Indigenous students may also face intergenerational poverty as a result of colonialism. According to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, poverty is “reinforced and entrenched” by repeated racist experiences.
Our study of 308 Indigenous Australian students who finished their university degrees between 2018 and 2022 discovered that economic conditions, particularly financial hardship, were a significant factor influencing Indigenous students’ completion. To make ends meet, students frequently relied on family support and/or worked while studying.
So it is critical that Indigenous students have appropriate financial assistance to pay the costs of food, lodging, and study materials. According to the evaluation, financial support for students should be increased. While pricey, this should be prioritized.
Approximately 63% of Australia’s Indigenous population lives in outer regional or extremely rural areas.
The report goes into great detail regarding improving the infrastructure for regional campuses. This is a critical component. Indigenous Australians must be able to study in settings that are close to their homes and conveniently accessible.
Read more: ‘I feel like I’ve been able to create more awareness’: what is it like for Indigenous males at elite universities?
First Nations Review
The report calls for a First Nations-led reform of tertiary education with the goal of “strengthening” Indigenous student and university staff numbers, as well as First Nations research knowledge.
The Indigenous higher education industry has been advocating for reforms for years, as evidenced by different government reports. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium: Accelerating Indigenous Higher Education Consultation Paper.
So, while the proposed new study appears to be a substantial and extensive piece of work, it is not a novel concept. Instead of initiating a fresh process, what is truly required is a commitment to implementing recommendations based on years of work by Indigenous professionals in higher education.
