Indigenous Postgrads Network 
As an Indigenous postgrad, you can contact your representative to discuss any issues related to your experiences on campus or to offer ideas for campaigns, activities and events for the Indigenous Postgrads Network to become involved in.
Further information regarding events for Indigenous postgrads - or to contact the Indigenous Officer - email admin@supra.usyd.edu.au. Details of upcoming events will also be posted to this page and the SUPRA Calendar. To ensure you receive information about the Indigenous Postgrads Network, subscribe to the mailing list.
This mailing list will be used by SUPRA to communicate important news about campaigns and events. This mailing list is also an opportunity for Indigenous postgrads to share information relevant to your experiences on campus and elsewhere; to let each other know about upcoming events; and to discuss whatever is important to you. To subscribe to the list click on the image above left.
Indigenous Postgraduate Research Support
The Koori Centre, University of Sydney, is available to offer research/ academic career support to Australian Indigenous postgraduate students undertaking higher degrees by thesis at the University of Sydney. Contact the Koori Centre on Phone: (02) 9351 2046, Toll Free: 1800 622 742 or email: koori@koori.usyd.edu.au
Students say 'close the gap in Higher Education': cut fees and make courses relevant for Indigenous students - NUS Media Alert 12 August 2008
The National Union of Students today launched a special submission to the Government's Review of Higher Education focusing on strategies to 'close the gap' in higher education.
"Today we have put on the table over 25 proposals, devised by Indigenous student leaders from across the country, to improve the participation, retention and support of Indigenous students in Australian universities," said Sheena Watt, National Indigenous Officer of the National Union of Students. "Following this year's historic apology, we hope the Government continues its commitment reconciliation and the development of Indigenous communities, through new policies and funding targetting higher education," Ms Watt went on to say.
The NUS special submission includes the following recommendations:
- A more relevant curriculum that boosts capacity in Indigenous communities: We want to see higher education supporting the future leaders of Indigenous communities. Currently there are not enough courses that train Indigenous students in topics important to their communities. The Government should consult with Indigenous communities to develop curriculum relevant to their needs. E.g. specially tailored courses in Native Title negotiation or land lease management.
- 50% HECS cuts for Indigenous students to double Indigenous participation in higher education: Both sides of politics have used strategic HECS cuts to boost participation in areas of national priority. The Howard Government frooze HECS for nursing and teaching. The Rudd Government cut HECS for science. Boosting Indigenous participation in higher education should also be a national priority, as part of the Government's goal of "closing the gap". Cutting HECS for all Indigenous students by 50% will be a good first step towards that goal.
- Imporved Indigenous support services on campus: Guaranteed funding for Indigenous Centres on all university campuses; specially trained finance and career advisers to assist Indigenous students in accessing Commonwealth and / or university benefits as well as employment; greater celebration and visibility of Indigenous culture on campus including returning stable funding to student organisations to promote Indigenous student activities.
- The protection and respect of traditional Indigenous knowledge in university research: Mandatory consultation with Indigenous communities as part of ethics clearance for any research in / of Indigenous communities, the inclusion of an Indigenous researcher in all projects of Indigenous research & relevance.
The submission was compiled following a three day conference convened by the National Union of Students of over 50 Indigenous student representatives from twenty-five different universities across Australia. The full document can be downloaded by clicking on the below link.
NUS Indigenous Student Submission to the Bradley Review of Higher Education.
