Murdoch recognised nationally for its social inclusion

Murdoch University research to address social justice, sustainability, indigenous and cultural issues has been recognised in a national resource Innovative Research Universities Australia publication.

Extending Opportunity: Social inclusion research informing policy and practice features Murdoch’s innovative telecounselling for remote communities, and research by Murdoch centres and institutes for Social and Community Research, Restorative Justice, Sustainability and Technology, and Dispute Management.

“Despite Australia’s high ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index, which measures education, life expectancy and standard of living, the evidence indicates that many Australians and communities are locked into a cycle of social and economic disadvantage – a cycle preventing them from accessing the full range of opportunities and outcomes enjoyed by the majority in our society,” said IRU Australia Chair and Murdoch Vice Chancellor Professor John Yovich.

“To achieve prosperity for all Australians, sustain future economic growth and achieve a high standard of social harmony and wellbeing, we need to develop effective interventions and evidence-based solutions for responding to the diversity of factors associated with all forms of disadvantage,” Professor Yovich added.

“Since their establishment in the 1960s and 70s, the member universities of IRU Australia – James Cook, Griffith, Newcastle, La Trobe, Flinders and Murdoch – have delivered high standards of academic research focusing on informing policy and practice in community settings, government, industry and business.

“This includes a strong track record in undertaking social inclusion research in partnership with stakeholders.

“IRU Australia has produced Extending Opportunity as a resource for government, community agencies, peak bodies and industry and business to assist them in locating and accessing social inclusion research capability within our member universities.

“We’re committed to applying our research expertise to ensure that Australia’s high performance in the UN Human Development rankings has relevance and meaning for all Australians.”

Murdoch University students have also been recognised for their work on social inclusion issues – the University student organisation Students Without Borders has won two WA Community Services Industry Awards for its work to encourage students to become involved in volunteer programs and community-based organisations in social justice, community development and human rights.