Uni puts right an overdue apology

A MOMENTOUS yet overdue occasion was marked yesterday, when the University of Tasmania formally apologised for its role in the wrongdoings committed against the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

Speaking in front of hundreds — including Aboriginal elders, staff and students — Chancellor Michael Field and Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black made the apology on the land of the original UTAS campus, Domain House.

“Our university was built from the proceeds of war and disposession,” Prof Black said. “For too long, the histories we taught hid the true story of war and genocide and the denial of human rights. Universities above all else are committed to the truth, however uncomfortable, and we didn’t teach it.”

Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter, Pro ViceChancellor Aboriginal of Leadership and Research, introduced the event. She said it was as an act overdue, but deserving of pride.

“This is an historic occasion for the university, for palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal people) and for Tasmania,” Prof Walter said.

“I feel pride in the leadership this university, my university, your university and our university has shown through its willingness to start the long, overdue process of truth telling.”

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the apology came late.

“Here we are in the 21st century; apologies have been too long incoming and that’s unacceptable,” he said.

“We’ve come to put that right today.

“We can’t change the past [but] we can apologise, and in the actions that follow, bear witness to the sincerity of what we say.”

Chancellor Field made the formal apology before a plaque was unveiled marking the historic statement.

“The University of Tasmania acknowledges the deep wrongs committed against the palawa people in our name and unreservedly apologises for them,” he said.

“Palawa presence will be forever imprinted on these lands and waterways.”

Prof Black then repeated the apology in palawa kani — the Tasmanian Aboriginal language.

Theresa Sainty gave the welcome to country, and said an apology was “just the beginning”.