Melbourne University faces censure for hiring non-Indigenous academics to lead Aboriginal studies

Barkandji woman Zena Cumpston, a former researcher at the University of Melbourne, says it is common for non-Indigenous ‘experts’ to be placed in senior roles in Indigenous subjects. Photograph: Abigail Varney/The Guardian

The University of Melbourne has come under fire for appointing non-Indigenous academics to senior roles focused on Aboriginal studies, at the same time as acknowledging it is “ill-equipped” to handle allegations of institutional racism.

The fresh criticism follows the resignation of Dr Eddie Cubillo – a Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrernte man – from his role as part-time associate dean and senior fellow at the university’s prestigious Melbourne Law School (MLS).