QUT is pleased that Ms Prior has decided to discontinue legal proceedings against the university, but stresses there are no winners here. This case has gone on for far too long. Its extension to involve students should not have occurred and this was something the university strove to prevent.
QUT supports recently proposed changes to AHRC processes in relation to the notification of all parties named in a complaint, and agrees with the parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation to adopt stricter time limits for processes once a complaint has been made under the Racial Discrimination Act.
QUT unapologetically stands by its longstanding and hitherto uncontroversial practice of supporting services to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are among the most disadvantaged in our community.
The success of the Oodgeroo unit at QUT is reflected in the level of progression and completion of studies by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
QUT has considered carefully the matter of costs. Our view is that the matter is now closed and to pursue Ms Prior for costs would be neither financially prudent nor appropriate. No commercial settlement has been made.
Professor Peter Coaldrake
Vice-Chancellor
Media contact: Rose Trapnell, QUT media team leader, rose.trapnell@qut.edu.au or media@qut.edu.au, 07 3138 2361 or 0407 585 901.
