Recognition and respect for cultural difference is a fundamental responsibility we owe each other.
Recently we have been giving considerable thought to our indigenous heritage and how we approach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education, research and engagement. Although Sydney was the first university to award a degree to an Aboriginal student over forty years ago, we still have much to do.
Our new integrated strategy establishes a vision for the University of Sydney as a uniquely Australian institution that recognises rights, builds capability and creates opportunity.
We have set ourselves targets to increase the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff and to ensure all our staff undertake cross-cultural training.
We have many challenges ahead but we have already acted on a number of issues, recruiting to a senior Aboriginal leadership role, finding new partnerships with Aboriginal and other community service organizations and adding our world-class research talent to efforts to address the wicked problems Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples confront.
