Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholars had the opportunity to hear from Indigenous leaders across government and academia at the 2021 Annual Pat Turner Scholar Forum on 18 November.

The annual forum brings together current Pat Turner scholars to discuss stakeholder engagement, building networks, developing capability to influence and utilising expertise.

This year, keynote speaker Professor Dr Marcia Langton AO, Associate Provost at The University of Melbourne and ANU alumna, shared details of her distinguished career as an anthropologist, geographer and public intellectual – including her contributions to research and public policy change.

“As you know there is an enormous amount of literature on Indigenous knowledge, epistemology and ontology across the globe now. Yet there are still many academics who reject the idea of Indigenous knowledge systems, despite the fact that they are recognised in the convention on biological diversity and particularly in relation the requirement of states to report on their efforts to preserve Indigenous knowledge systems,” Professor Langton said.

When asked for her advice on navigating university life, Professor Langton said “determination, stubbornness, hard work, literature and publishing eventually wins out.”

“In terms of closing the gap and capability building, the university sector in the recent years has more than pulled its weight in closing the gap. I recognise your work and the work of your colleagues at the ANU for this extraordinary effort,” Professor Langton said.

Scholarship patron and CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Pat Turner AM, added her reflections on the intersection between government, the Australian Public Service and Indigenous community organisations.

“The importance of these relationships and partnerships between our community and our organisations and government and other third-party organisation cannot and should not be underestimated,” she says. 

Ms Turner shared her advice for building effective partnerships and influencing public policy, including respect and true community engagement.

“You really have to understand how the system works, what the processes are, and understand the culture within your department or agency.”

“Look for opportunities to pitch a new approach or a new idea. They don’t come along every day, so it is about timing and understanding the dynamics,” Ms Turner said.

Scholars also heard from Professor Peter Yu AM, Vice-President (First Nations) at The Australian National University, Professor Mark Rose, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Innovation at Deakin University, and Professor Ruth Wallace, Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Education & the Arts and Director of the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University.

The Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner Scholarship program enhances the capability of the Australian Public Service by developing strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian leaders through high-quality research and skills training, building on the legacy of Pat Turner AM.

Learn more about the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation. 

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