Voice: Making a Postcolonial Multicultural Nation

What might a postcolonial nation look like in Australia, and what is the place of the Voice Referendum in that process? What is the role of multicultural communities in the Referendum? What is at stake for multicultural communities in building a postcolonial future free of racism? Just over half of Australians were born overseas or have one migrant parent, and nearly a quarter speak a language other than English at home. Multicultural communities will be crucial to the Referendum. This event takes up the question of both diverse communities and support for the Voice Referendum, as well as the longer-term efforts around treaty and reconciliation.

Light snacks from 6pm, for a 6.30pm start.

This is the 2023 UTS Andrew Jakubowicz Annual Lecture

SPEAKERS

Professor Heidi Norman
Associate Dean Indigenous, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Technology Sydney. Heidi is a scholar of Aboriginal politics and history, and Gomeroi descendant.

Michelle Deshong
Managing Director, Deshong Consulting. Michelle has worked in fields of gender equity, leadership, governance and political science. She is Co-Chair of Supply Nation and member of the AIATSIS Council. Michelle draws connection to the Kuku Yulanji Nation.

Craig Foster AM
Member of the Australian Multicultural Council and Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement. Craig is a former footballer and broadcaster, and an Adjunct Professor in Sport & Social Responsibility at Torrens University.

Jason Yat-sen Li
Member for Strathfield, NSW Parliament. Jason has also worked in law, business and community advocacy, particularly for diversity and inclusion. He is Pro-Chancellor of the University of Sydney.

Emeritus Professor Andrew Jakubowicz, Respondent
Andrew is a scholar of multicultural communities, cultural diversity and racism, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.