USU Speaker Series with Associate Professor Rick Macourt - The Voice Referendum

Tuesday 12th September, 6.00 - 7.00pm, followed by drinks and snacks in Courtyard Café

On Saturday, 14 October 2023, all Australians will be asked to vote in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the constitution through the enshrinement of a Voice to Parliament. The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body that provides advice to the Australian parliament and government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples such as education, health, housing and justice.

USU is thrilled to be welcoming Associate Professor Rick Macourt as our guest speaker to share his perspective on this important topic.

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a queer descendant of the Gumbaynggirr peoples and Associate Dean, First Nations Strategy and Services, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. He is also Managing Director of First Nations Economics, an Aboriginal-led charity dedicated to driving social, cultural and economic prosperity for First Peoples. Rick has held executive roles in NSW Government and the Westpac Group, and he is a former diplomat having represented Australia at the United Nations. He is a writer, author and an activist dedicated to shaping an Australia where First Peoples can prosper, grounded in kinship and connected to Country.

Join us on Tuesday 12th September from 6pm to learn more about the history behind the Voice, the context and significance of the referendum, and the role of non-Indigenous peoples in this conversation. The event will consist of an informal and lively talk, followed by a 15 minute Q&A. Associate Professor Macourt strongly believes in gaining knowledge and perspective through open conversation, and welcomes all questions on this topic. Make sure to submit your questions for him when you register for your free spot.

USU is committed to creating a culturally safe space in everything we do. Read USU's statement on the Voice to Parliament here.