Monday 13 April 2026 | Canberra
This invitation-only policy roundtable connected the Department of Education team developing the First Nations Education Policy with a multidisciplinary group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social sciences researchers in an evidence-based conversation around whole of system transformation grounded in rights and options for enduring policy implementation.
The purpose of the roundtable was to support knowledge exchange between First Nations researchers and government and translate the substantial Indigenous-led evidence base into practical policy and system improvements.
Presenters included:
Chair: Professor Kate Darian-Smith FASSA | President, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
Opening remarks:
- Professor Marcia Langton AO FASSA | University of Melbourne
- Professor Tom Calma AO FASSA | Acting First Nations Commissioner, ATEC
- Professor Bronwyn Fredericks FASSA | University of Queensland [via video]
Creating culturally safe learning environments
- Professor Nikki Moodie | University of Melbourne
Transforming education systems to deliver for First Nations peoples
- Professor Marnee Shay | University of Queensland
- Professor Melitta Hogarth | Director, Ngarrngga
- Professor Peter Anderson | University of New England
Educational wellbeing and implementing data sovereignty
- Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter FASSA | University of Tasmania
Looking ahead to what’s next
- Professor Julie McLeod FASSA | University of Melbourne
- Professor Kevin Lowe | University of New South Wales
- Damien Miller | Executive Director, Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity