- Dr Jonathan Cole represented Charles Sturt University at the public roundtable for the ‘Inquiry into Nationhood, National Identity and Democracy’ on Friday 7 February.
Charles Sturt University was recently invited to present evidence at a public roundtable for the parliamentary ‘Inquiry into Nationhood, National Identity and Democracy’.
The invitation from the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee to present at the roundtable came after the University provided a submission for the Inquiry in September last year.
Assistant Director of the Charles Sturt Centre for Public and Contextual TheologyDr Jonathan Cole (pictured) represented the University at the roundtable on Friday 7 February at Parliament House in Canberra.
“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to present some of Charles Sturt University’s views at Friday’s Senate hearing,” Dr Cole said.
“As Australia’s largest regional university, and a university for the public good, we know we have an important role to play in improving Australia’s economic and social wellbeing and advancing higher education and research opportunities for the people of regional Australia.
“Friday’s hearing for the Senate’s was therefore an important discussion for Charles Sturt University to be a part of given the University’s commitment to democracy and the advancement of our nation.”
In its submission for the 'Inquiry into Nationhood, National Identity and Democracy', Charles Sturt University stated:
“As a university for the public good, Charles Sturt University believes that western liberal values and institutions of nationhood, national identity and democracy provide the fundamental foundations for economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.”
“… In order to develop and implement strategies and actions to sustain democracy, define nationhood, strengthen the nation state, ensure social cohesion, recognise cultural identity, guarantee that government is fit for purpose and maximise the value of public debate, credible, impartial, evidence-based information will be required for decision making. Charles Sturt University is in a unique position to work with parliaments and governments and fill this research void.
“… Sustaining democratic norms and liberal values will require responsive and sustained effort that addresses the challenges of and captures the opportunities of the early 21st Century.”
The full submission is available for download on the Charles Sturt website.
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