1 NIRAKN minutes 7–9 January 2013
QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE NETWORK (NIRAKN)
MINUTES
Monday, 7January–Wednesday 9 January 2013, commencing at 9:00am
McGregor Room, Lenna, Hobart
1.0Welcome to Country and Apologies
The Chair of the meeting, NIRAKN Director Aileen Moreton-Robinson invited Deputy Director Maggie Walter to welcome those present to country.
2.0PresentProfessor Aileen Moreton-Robinson (Chair and Director of NIRAKN, QUT); NIRAKN Node Leaders: Professor Kath Clapham (University of Wollongong); PorfessorBronwyn Fredericks (CQU); Professor Steve Larkin (CDU); Professor John Maynard (UNewcastle); Dr Mark McMillan (UMelb); Associate Professor Jaki Troy (AIATSIS); Associate Professor Maggie Walter (UTas); Dr Asmi Woods (ANU); Ms Susan Banks (Secretary)Mr Adam Robinson (Network Convenor QUT).
3.0Absent with apologies:Professor Pat Dudgeon University of Western Australia; Dr Robert Brooks (Healing Foundation); Mr Scott Avery (National Congress of Australia’s First People); Ms Marlene Thompson (Waminda); Mr Sam Johnston (UNU); Mr Kevin Williams (Ninti One).
No conflicts of interest were declared at the opening of the meeting.
Professor Sue Dodds and Andrew Wells (UTAS) joined the group for lunch on Monday. Belinda Richardson (QUT) joined the group on Tuesday. The UTAS Vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen and Deputy Vice-chancellor Research Paddy Nixon joined the group for a short period on Wednesday 9th January.
4.0Agenda items
Day one: Monday 7 January 2013
4.1.1NIRAKN Application brief
The Deputy Director, Associate Professor Maggie Waleroutlined the Application and noted that the ARC required development of the Strategic Management Plan and KPIs to form part of the agreement between QUT and the ARC before they would release funding. This meant that the Director Professor Moreton-Robinson had to develop the SMP and KPIs quickly in order to enable the agreement to happen.
As the Director was out of the country the Deputy Director attended to ARC amendments of the SMP. The Network (virtual) hub and spokes model was described, as well as the guiding network practice principles (‘One-skin’—Yurriala, Relationality). In addition the Network’saims—Capacity building for Indigenous researchers, and the development and completion of research projects, supported by the development of an Indigenous research agenda, grants track record, strong profile and collegial links were outlined. Four initial projects have been developed and these need to be commenced in 2013. Additional funding will be sought for their completion.
4.1.2NIRAKN Strategic Management Plan
4.1.2.1Governance structures and addition of partners (a funding requirement) (and see 4.4.1.1, below).
The SMP requires that additional partners be brought into the Network. Two key risks were identified: (i) that adding partners requires an assessment of compatibility with the Network aims and (ii) that it is important to avoid creation of a closed shop—NIRAKN needs to be open and fluid (students, researchers, universities).
Action:
─Ensure that Partner Organisation’s roles and responsibilities are outlined in their terms of reference.To be actioned by the Director
4.1.2.2Non-academic qualifications—Section F
The meeting discussion means to include “Aboriginal elder” as a qualification, in light of new Linkage Section F rules. Strategies identified:
- Honorary Doctorates (being able to state the equivalents, and gathering evidence) as a strategy
- Creation of portfolios for community leaders
- International Indigenous University
Action:
─Consider preparing portfolios for recognising and acknowledging Indigenous Elders.
─To be actioned by Node Leaders
4.1.2.3Education
Members recognised the need for existing successful education environments to be supported (and publicised); schools were argued to be distinct environments, shaped by teacher’s backgrounds and belief systems, contact with Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal history, and culture. Several responses were proposed:
- Workshop focused on schools (all levels) that are working well. Publicise and build on strengths. Identify how the success stories are developing
- Potential research topic
- NIRAKN website to include alongside the “My university” comment, a “My school” comment option
- Use of the Stony Ground rating system
Action:
─Add a My school comment option to the My university comment option on website. To be actioned by Network Convenor
4.2.1NIRAKN website
Network Convenor, Adam Robinson presented a model for the Network website. Its development is being guided by the need to engage with its target markers (academics, students), and provide or enhance capacity building to academics and students, while maintaining an academic tone. Several points were discussed:
- Logo: Discussion of colour and meaning (including means to ‘tell the story’ of the logo on the site) and its relevance for Yurriala and relationality
- The use of the calendar as a hub for notification, registration for forthcoming events, including grant submission dates, workshops and seminars, awards, etc. Automatic email notifying members of added events
- Project pages and node leader pages to be linked with relevant publications (or abstracts), and with related media
- A ‘Notices’ (or equivalent) tab
- Minutes (including who was there) for all meetings. Suggestion of a password accessed drop box for minutes or other material that is not public, but that NIRAKN processes need to be transparent
- Templates for reporting, scholarships, bursaries, Statements of Work, etc. accessible via ‘Forms’ tab and items linked with the calendar
- Suggestion of a “for early career researchers” tab, an “academics” tab, possibly using the ARC guidelines for these levels
Actions:
─Add tabs on website: One-skin and relationality methodology
─Publications (with links to e-pub)
─Links from Node leader pages and project pages to online repositories and/or abstracts
─Links from calendar to registration
─Automatic email notification of new calendar events, deadlines, etc.
─Determine who will be able to access what material (minutes, reports, etc.)
─To be actioned by Network Convenor
4.3.1NIRAKN Communications Strategy
The Network Convenor outlined and explained how the proposed Communications strategyworks, including diagnostics, IPG TV, Node road, talking heads, Newsletter, and cross-promotion (e.g., via AIATSIS). The management committee endorsed the communications strategy.
Day two: Tuesday 8 January 2013
4.4.1NIRAKN ARC/QUT Funding Agreement
Belinda Richardson from the QUT Office of Researchoutlined the Collaborative Organisations and QUT Agreement and key matters for resolution were discussed.
4.4.1.1Funding Agreement (with ARC)
Belinda Richardson noted that the ARC/QUT Agreement has precedence over everything else.With this in mind, the funded program is to be followed in a broad sense; reasonable changes to budget or development program are acceptable. The meeting discussed moral rights, project affiliates, fees for services provided by NIRAKN, comparison with Centres of Excellence model, site of project contracts (QUT or participating scholars’ institutions), the need to charge for commercial work (e.g., advice and associated administration costs) and appropriate mechanisms for this, QUT fees, appropriate grant CIs and PIs, linking submissions with NIRAKN, Statements of Work, student bursaries to support attendance at workshops and seminars, governance, and roles and responsibilities of Node Leaders. Nodes set own direction but are accountable to Management Committee and the Advisory Board. Node Terms of Reference required.
Note: AMR thanked Belinda for her work on the NIRAKN application.
Actions:
─Adjust draft Collaborative Organisations and QUT Agreement and return to CIs for comment and institution-level consultation.
─To be actioned by Belinda Richardson
─Sign completed Agreement—due 28th February 2013, but may be negotiable.
─To be actioned by Belinda Richardson
─Relevant templates provided by QUT
─To be actioned by Belinda Richardson
─Develop protocol for determining whether individual projects are to be dealt with under a NIRAKN set of rules, OR under individuals’ own university contracts.
─To be actioned by Node Leaders
─Negotiate for a waiver of QUT admin fees.
─To be actioned by Director
─Approach Research Development Offices for support for students to attend NIRAKN events (suggested that Dr McMIllan seek $25,000 from UMelb).
─To be actioned by Node Leaders
─Complete Statements of Work at Node level.
─To be actioned by Node Leaders
─Determine protocols for replacement of members as needed.
─To be actioned by Director
─Terms of Reference documents vetted by QUT lawyer.
─To be actioned by Belinda Richardson
Governance tiers
Tier 1—Management Committee (MC): makes decisions and allocates resources and reports to the Director of NIRAKN and the Advisory Board
Tier 2—Advisory Board (AB): suggests strategic direction, cultural appropriateness, and research priorities. It also provides advice to the Director and the Management Committee.
Tier 3—Node subcommittees (not part of the Agreement).
Action:
─Terms of Reference for the Advisory Board and Management Committee required.
─To be actioned by Director
4.5.1Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of Network members were outlined by the Chair.
4.5.1.1Network Director and Deputy Director
Professor Moreton-Robinson, as Director has overall responsibility for NIRAKNand the day to day management of staff. She will lead the commercial, research administrative arms, facilitate and convenemeetings. Associate Professor Walter as Deputy Director will coordinate the research program and report to the Director. Professor Moreton-Robinson is the point of contact for NIRAKN administrative matters; Belinda Richardson to be link between NIRAKN and the ARC.
Action:
─Approach the ARC to have NIRAKN placed on the Category 1 list.
─To be actioned by the Director and Belinda Richardson from the Office of Research
4.5.1.2Node Leaders
Communication and accountability are key principles, manifested in open and frequent communication between Node Leaders, regular reporting from Leaders to Associate Professor Walter who reports toProfessor Moreton-Robinson.
The role of Node Leaders includes taking part in monthly Node and Management Committee meetings, involvement in setting/developing Strategic Direction, managing their own budgets and reporting against KPIs, and being responsive to communication. Their research roles include generating new grants, initiating at least one cross-institutional collaboration, and leading a collaborative research grant, engaging Node members in NIRAKN projects and determining appropriate roles for themselves and other Node members in projects, reflecting skills and existing FTE loads.
Actions:
─Node Leaders to complete Statements of Work setting out Node activities.
─Director to develop Statement of Work for the Hub
─Nodes to run virtual critical reading groups, seminars and workshops allocated as part of Node responsibilities.
4.5.1.3University of Melbourne
The meeting discussed the need for UMelbto be made into a collaborating partner. This will require negotiation between QUT and Melbourne University’s Offices of Research. It was suggested that the Deputy Director approach the Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Anderson for his support. The ARC will require a variation to appointment form to be completed.
Resolved: The Management Committee endorses Mark McMillan (UMelb) as a Node Leader.
Action:
The Director and Belinda Richardson to facilitate the process for Dr MacMillan to be appointed as Node Leader and the University of Melbourne to be added as a Collaborative Organisation.
The Deputy Director is to approach the ADVC Melbourne for his support.
4.5.2Intra-Node Discussion
The four Nodes were invited to prepare indicative proposals for 2013 and present them to the meeting. All Nodes will conduct monthly meetings (by Skype, e.g.), and identify participants at the February national meeting.
4.5.2.1Health Node
PVC Fredericks and Professor Clapham outlined the Node’s proposed annual research activity plan, which comprises conferences, publications, an authors’ workshop for the Indigenous nurses and midwives book (in preparation). Capacity building activities include a national Research Ethics workshop, hosting 3 critical reading groups in 2013, as well as RHD supervisor training workshops (C level; repeated in 2015) with live link, and a grant writing workshop for Health Node members.
4.5.2.2Social Sciences Node
Associate Professor Walter and PVC Larkin proposed a Node research activity plan which includes submission of a 2013 Discovery application focused on women’s labour workforce. Further projects will be identified via critical reading groups (which are also capacity building forums). A key additional capacity building event is an Indigenous Research Methodologies workshop. Responsibility for minute-taking and agenda setting for monthly Node meetings will be rotated as a capacity building and sharing exercise.
4.5.2.3History, Politics ... Node
Professor Maynard outlined two key research projects: investigating Indigenous constitutional reform in US and Australia (a collaboration with the NIRAKN Law Node, with Prof. Maynard taking a mentoring role), and the development of an International Indigenous History Network—under the NIRAKN banner. Additional project ideas will be determined by who joins the NodeCapacity building activities proposed are critical reading groups, a History seminar (May 2013), trans-Node midwifery and nursing engagement (with Health Node), and a political systems seminar series on Indigenous politics and politicians.
4.5.2.4Law Node
Dr McMillan and Professor Woods outlined six proposed projects investigating justice reinvestment and Indigenous constitutional reform (see above) (this may be a trans-Node collaboration), Indigenous legal education and practice, the ways in which the ‘priestly 12’ do or could reflect Indigenous values (a proposed T & L grants application), transitioning Indigenous students into the profession, and investigating models for establishing a trust for non-specific funding. A copyright workshop is proposed as a capacity building event; as well, the Node will identify students appropriate for Node projects. If appropriate the Nodes will pay and be reimbursed, for the costs of capacity building workshops; alternatively, the Hub will fund and assist in setting them up.
Actions:
─Node Leaders to attend monthly meetings.
─Node Leaders to notify the Director of all events,which will be added to the Network calendar.
─Where monthly Node meetings use Skype, the Director proposed that the Hub would buy the business model of Skype.
─Seminars program to be developed by Node Leaders and the Director at their respective universities.
4.5.2.5Workshops
The meetingproposed a series of workshops, to be delivered in a block, during July 2013. An indicative timetable for the workshops is attached at Appendix 1. The meeting discussed the need for consistent approaches to critical reading groups and workshops, and a minimum workshop enrolment of 12 (maximum of 20), with a partner organisation allocation of 5 people. The question of workshop registration fees for non-members attending was raised. Workshop registration will be via the QUT Hub.
Actions:
─Baseline and approach for critical reading groups to be determined by each Node.
─Hub to be notified of all events (including seminars) for addition to calendar.
─Availabilities in July for workshop delivery to be confirmed—members to provide travel information to Amanda (at QUT Hub).
─Book AIATSIS at Canberra for block workshops to be actioned by Associate Professor Jaki Troy.
Day three: Wednesday 9 January 2013
4.6.1Research Projects and Budget Allocation
The meeting discussed the need for research plan templates, sharing mechanisms to avoid counter-productive intra-NIRAKN competition, and the need to be aware of potential conflicts of interest in grant assessing. The NIRAKN research arm also aims to promoteappropriate sharing of Node seeding funds, strategic and application skills (e.g., T & L grants). Opportunities identified included a Law Node T & L application, and an application for housing research (via AHURI).
Resolved: The meeting agreed that all cash and in-kind contributions will be retained by collaborating institutions. This must be reported as a separate accounting item by each institution to QUT.
Actions:
─An accounting pro forma for retention of funds is needed; this may be built into the Agreement (schedule 5).
─To be actioned by Belinda Richardson
─Negotiate for in-kind funding from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation to be retained at NIRAKN (QUT).
─To be actioned by the Director and Belinda Richardson
─Develop annual research plan template.
─To be developed by the Deputy Director
─Map Node projects being developed, most appropriate participants, and target best funding sources.
─To be developed by the Deputy Director
─Prepare calendar itemising sources and deadlines, etc., and provide on website.
─To be actioned by Network Convenor
─Include ‘shadow’ early career researcher in grant assessment tasks.
─To be actioned by Node Leaders and the Director
─Transfer seed funding to Nodes upon completion of Agreement (Statement of Work required for this); institutions to invoice QUT.
─To be actioned by the Director and Belinda Richardson
─Nodes may share seed funding (Statement of Work required).
─SOWs to be developed by Node Leaders
─Provide example T & L application to Dr McMillan (deadline 25.02.2013).
─To be actioned by the Director
─Approach AHURI for some NIRAKN CIs to become adjuncts at AHURI universities.
─To be actioned by the Deputy Director
4.6.2Research Funding Opportunities
It was noted that Charles Darwin University collates identified commercial opportunities information, which would be valuable for NIRAKN. Further, the Network would benefit from shared knowledge of block funding rules and developments.
Action:
─Professor Steve Larking to provide CDU commercial opportunities material to NIRAKN.
Action:
─It is recommended that Node Leaders read the currentBlock Funding Review.
4.6.2.1Raising Additional Funds
Additional sources of funding were discussed, including approaches to mining companies, for example. This included consideration of NIRAKN’s ethical position, preparation for approach, the need for NIRAKN to control funded research agendas and avoid inappropriate controlling conditions. The Chair stated that her personal position is not to accept funding from mining companies, but the Management Committee agreed they would pursue mining company funding. However, Companies or individuals who are in dispute with Indigenous people are not appropriate sources of funding.
Action:
─Where applicable Node Leaders and the Director should approach mining companies such as Santos with costed, clear proposals.
4.7.1Network Affiliates/Affiliations
The inclusion of non-Network members in NIRAKN activities/events was discussed. The meeting agreed that it is essential that this process be guided by NIRAKN principles of relationality and Yurriala. As there is no funding for non-network affiliates in the four year budget allocation from the ARC, it is necessary to work out how network affiliates could be included in NIRAKN activities. It was recommended that NIRAKN workshops and research related activities be offered but network affiliates would have to fund their attendance.It was resolved that at this early stage no affiliates will be invited to join until network affiliate membership criteria were developed and that AIATSIS membership form could be used as a template.