PHA (Vic & Tas) supports the appointment of a City of Melbourne Historian

Royal arcade, melbourne

The City of Melbourne’s discussion paper, ‘Heritage, People and Place’ proposes the appointment of a permanent Historian.

PHA (Vic & Tas) recently wrote to the City of Melbourne in support of this proposal. The letter of support suggested a historian can:

• discover the stories and voices from our past, including Melbourne’s rich Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung history and heritage;

• inform, interpret and advise on historical sites to help the City develop and prosper in a way which incorporates its valued history and heritage.

Read more in the Submission.

PHA (Vic & Tas) protests the abolition of the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC)

On behalf of PHA (Vic & Tas) members, President Sophie Couchman wrote to the Minister for Government Services to advocate for the retention of the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC).

As historians, we all recognise the immeasurable value of the Victorian Public Records Office and how its collections have been retained, safe-guarded or discovered because of the Public Records Advisory Council.

The Government’s decision to abolish PRAC undermines the purpose of the Public Records Act by removing the expertise of professionals from the crucial decision-making processes relating to Victoria’s government records.

Click here to read the full letter.

UPDATE AUGUST 2024: The Campaign was a success! PRAC has not been abolished. There will be positions advertised in the future to sit on this Committee and we encourage our members to apply for these to ensure the needs of professional historians are represented.

PHA (Vic & Tas) submission to Heritage Victoria's 'Future directions of the Victorian Heritage Register'

PHA (Vic & Tas) has welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback to Heritage Victoria on the current Victorian Heritage Register (VHR), via their survey ‘Future directions of the Victorian Heritage Register’ and to submit proposals for an updated, accurate and more socially and culturally inclusive heritage database.

Our submission (which can be read in full here) highlights our concerns with the VHR as it currently stands, and ways we believe it can be improved, including comments on:  the Framework of Historic Themes; the limitations of time and budgetary constraints which undermine good scholarship; the need for qualified historians and heritage professionals to be employed in writing citations and statements; the site management role of the Register and consequent planning or legal disputes which may arise from inadequate or inaccurate historical information.

We also encourage members to provide their own feedback. Submissions close on the 17 December 2023.

Thanks to Sonia Jennings, Lucy Bracey and Kimberley Meagher (National Advocacy Sub Committee) and members Dr James Lesh and Dr Sue Silberberg for their work preparing this submission.

Opposition to proposed cuts at the Australian Catholic University

Professional Historians Australia is deeply concerned and strongly opposed to the cuts being made in the humanities discipline by the Australian Catholic University.

The dismantling of institutes focusing on history and philosophy, as well as the reduction in academic teaching positions not only does a disservice to the University’s international standing, it also undermines the importance of the humanities, particularly history, at a time when historical enquiry and interpretation is crucial to Australian society.

Education is about more than getting a paid job. It is also a process that helps individuals make sense of the world. Studying history offers insights into the present. Equally important is the role of history in telling the national story. History that is relevant and engaging enhances a nation’s sense of identity and can foster informed participation in civil society and democracy.

At a time when evolving AI technologies are profoundly changing the very nature of 'evidence' and 'truth', history is a practice grounded in empirical sources, from hard-copy manuscripts and artworks, to one-on-one oral histories and visiting cultural landscapes. Historians are expressly trained to critically assess and balance these sources, shaping verifiable narratives of the past for today's citizens.

PHA represents over 500 professionally accredited historians across all Australian states and territories, who work in libraries, archives, local councils, museums and art galleries, the public services, universities and the media, as employees, sole traders and consultants. Many professional historians are graduates of the Australian Catholic University. They come to our profession with high standards of ethics and skills to research and write histories for diverse audiences.

We concur with the comments made by Professor Frank Bongiorno in the statement from the Australian Historical Association, in noting that ‘these cuts are deeply harmful to Australians’ capacity to ‘understand the world we live in’ and ‘create the best possible future’ to quote the stated aims of ACU’s own National School of Arts and Humanities.

PHA endorses the Value of History Statement published by Australia’s history councils. The statement emphasises the value of studying the past and telling its stories.

PHA encourages all members to sign and share the online petition at change.org.

PHA (Vic & Tas) supports this statement from Professional Historians Australia.

PHA (Vic & Tas) supports the PHA's statement on 'Yes' to the Voice to Parliament

Professional Historians Australia wishes to publicly support voting 'Yes' in the forthcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

As professional historians we are aware of the numerous times since the start of colonisation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples have called on government authorities and non-Indigenous Australians to respect their sovereign rights, and how they have been ignored. We believe we need to listen and pay true heed to the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including acknowledging their divergent views on this issue.

We know that the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ is not just about the Voice, but also about Treaty and Truth-telling.

Beyond the referendum, much work will still be required to ensure the differing needs and requests of communities are met. Professional Historians Australia looks forward to playing what role it can in supporting and engaging with these endeavours.

While acknowledging the right of our members to have their own independent views on this matter, support for a ‘Yes’ vote, support for fulfilling the recommendations outlined in the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ and Truth-telling are in-line with and reflect the values and ethos of our association.

We urge all Australians to listen, think and learn about the significance of this upcoming referendum.

‘YES’ to the Voice to Parliament

The Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania) wishes to publicly support voting 'Yes' in the forthcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

On 26 April 2021 the PHA (Vic & Tas) urged the government to move forward with the recommendations of the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’. The first of these was the creation of a 'Voice to Parliament' enshrined in the Australian Constitution which requires a referendum.

As historians we are aware of the numerous times since the start of colonisation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples have called on government authorities and non-Indigenous Australians to respect their sovereign rights, and how they have been ignored. We believe we need to listen and pay true heed to the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including acknowledging their divergent views on this issue.

We know that the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ is not just about the Voice, but also about Treaty and Truth-telling. Beyond the referendum, much work will still be required to ensure the differing needs and requests of communities are met. We are aware of our own profession’s role in silencing and ignoring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We have encouraged our members to add their name to the ‘History is Calling’ open letter, while acknowledging the right of members to have their own independent views on this matter.

Dr Sophie Couchman
President, on behalf of
PHA (Vic & Tas) Committee of Management and the Advocacy Sub Committee

Sign the petition to save Trove #FULLYFUNDTROVE

Professional Historians Australia dispatched a Call to Action to members around the nation and encourage you to share with your networks, friends and family.

What can you do?

Sign a petition:

Victorian PHA member Peter Symons has set up a petition on Change.org which was endorsed by Senator Hanson Young. There are also several other official petitions lodged with Parliament, this one currently has the most signatures: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN4747. Senator Hanson Young tabled the Change.org petition in the Senate on 8 February 2023.

Write to your representative:

The advocacy sub-committee has prepared a pro-forma letter and a link to the list of contact details for relevant MPs stating we encourage all members to draw on to promote the work that professional historians do and emphasis why we need securely funded cultural institutions and tools like Trove in the lead up to the May budget. Personalise your letter and explain why Trove matters to you.

Join the advocacy sub-committee:

If you would like to help out with campaigns like this, please contact Professional Historians Australia at admin@historians.org.au

SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Spread the word on social media, among friends and colleagues. Use the tag #FullyFundTrove. Make sure you include the link to the petition and tell your story of why Trove is important to you.

Here are a few links to some great actions and initiatives from others you can also share on social media:

• Dr Monique Ryan MP speaking about Trove in Parliament

• Australia Libraries and Information Association (ALIA)

• Federation of Australian Historical Societies (FAHS)

• Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG)

PHA (Vic & Tas) member's Trove petition tabled in the Senate

Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) member Peter Symons's petition to save Trove was tabled in the Senate by Senator Hanson Young on 8 February 2023.

Peter set up the Change.org petition requesting the Government to Fully Fund Trove one month ago and it has amassed nearly 30,000 signatures.

You can read about the campaign and sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/fully-fund-trove

Additionally, Peter also set up an official parliamentary e-petition closing on 22 February 2023, which you should also sign, be sure to confirm the verification email to make your signature count.

Professional Historians Australia supported by PHA (Vic & Tas) Advocacy Subcommittee is preparing a call to action for members to save Trove, stay tuned for further information in your inbox.

National Cultural Policy Submission

PHA (Vic & Tas) has added its voice to the diverse chorus of the Australian arts, entertainment and cultural sector seeking to help shape the National Cultural Policy. Read our statement here. To read all the public submissions scroll this webpage <https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy> to the formal submissions.

Read our statement HERE.

Statement: Crowther Reinterpreted

PHA (Vic and Tas) acknowledge the pain and suffering caused to the palawa by the statue of Dr WL Crowther in Franklin Square, primarily due to Crowther’s involvement in the removal, dissection and mutilation of the remains of William Lanne. 

PHA (Vic & Tas) strongly believe that the reinterpretation of the statue, whether that be through its removal, replacement or alteration, should be led by palawa voices. Throughout Australia white elites have used statues in an attempt to re-image an Aboriginal landscape as European. Being led by palawa voices would allow for a redress in the way that history, which has glorified white male power and privilege, has been told and memorialised in the past. 

We do feel that the statue is a cultural artefact of the past and it should be preserved – if not in situ, in a safe repository such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It would provide an opportunity to educate the public about past injustices and contribute to truth telling. Whether removal, replacement or alteration of the statue happens, having a permanent installation or marker at the site that explains why it was removed, or adding new plaques or a counter-monument to the existing statue that reflect palawa voices and present a counter-history will ensure that the past, however painful, is not forgotten. 

We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.

Call to action against ABC news library staff cuts

Professional Historians Australia with state and territory branches have released a joint statement objecting the proposed job cuts affecting specialist content management staff at the ABC. The Statement can be read here.

PHA (Vic & Tas) members are encouraged to email local members to express concerns on the impacts that these proposed redundancies will have on Australia's history and culture.

Committee of Management Statement relating to the education curriculum

The PHA (Vic & Tas) values and advocates for a considered approach to the teaching of history and seeks a similar consensus from the forthcoming meeting of Education Ministers. Read our full statement. You can read our statement here.

CALL TO ACTION: PHA (Vic & Tas) Submission to Uluru Statement from the Heart

Update (30/4/21) : The Advocacy Sub Committee received valuable feedback from members concerning the PHA (Vic & Tas) submission paper. We have revised our submission in response to this feedback. We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.

The PHA (Vic & Tas) Advocacy Sub Committee has prepared a submission outlining our support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. You can read our statement here.

Members are encouraged to consider making their own submission, there is ample guidance online including the support kit and the Interim Voice report.

Submissions are due this Friday 30 April 2021 and should be lodged via this web link: https://haveyoursay.voice.niaa.gov.au/

With thanks to the Advocacy Sub Committee: Michelle Blake, Lucy Bracey, Donna Fearne, Sonia Jennings and Elizabeth Offer and all those who responded to our call for feedback.

Kimberley Meagher, President

Heritage Council policy and guidance for the registration of objects integral to a registered place

Image credit: Australian Publicity Council. Victorian Division. (1943). Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

The Heritage Council of Victoria recently completed a project to assist with the nomination, assessment and inclusion of ‘registered objects integral to a registered place’ in the Victorian Heritage Register, pursuant to Section 25(1)(c) of the Heritage Act 2017 (Heritage Act).

The project resulted in the development of new policy and guidance documents which provide a framework for enriching our understanding of the significance of registered places and their associated objects.

The policy and guidance documents were formally adopted by the Heritage Council on 1 October 2020 and apply to nominations to the Executive Director and recommendations made by the Executive Director after 5 November 2020.

For more information and to access the documents, please see the following link on the Heritage Council website: https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/heritage-protection/heritage-policy-and-guidance/

If you have any questions about the policy and guidance documents, please contact the Heritage Council Secretariat at heritage.council@delwp.vic.gov.au

PHA (Vic & Tas) Statement Regarding Proposed Changes to Humanities

PHA (VIC & TAS) STATEMENT REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGES TO HUMANITIES

The Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania) strongly condemns the proposal from the Minister for Education to drastically increase the cost of humanities courses at Australian universities.

The Minister says that these changes are to ensure the ‘job readiness’ of graduates. We argue that degrees in humanities equip students with the very skills needed for employability in these uncertain times. By undertaking humanities courses, students graduate with abilities in analytical thinking, innovation, complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. These skills are highlighted on the government’s own website as those that will be in demand in the near future, as identified most frequently by Australian companies in a recent survey conducted by the World Economic Forum: https://australianjobs.employment.gov.au/jobs-future/skills-future

PHA (Vic & Tas) represents over 200 academically trained professionals who work across a range of sectors. Our members are employed in the public service, museums, universities, libraries, archives, as consultants and in heritage. In many cases, humanities graduates are also found in fields such as construction, technology and science, as their abilities provide an essential balance. Historians in particular are well-equipped to guide us as we grapple with the challenges of responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

PHA (Vic & Tas) is also deeply concerned for the financial impact this will have on students. Passing the majority of the cost of a university degree onto the individual student will mean that young people will have to make very difficult choices at a formative time of their lives. In fact, many of our current members would not have been able to study and then make their career in the field of history under this proposed system, as they simply could not have afforded it. We are profoundly troubled that this proposal will mean that humanities degrees (as well as law and commerce) will be accessible only to those who come from wealth and privilege.

Now more than ever, it is critical that we ensure our history is studied, taught, questioned and communicated by diverse voices and perspectives. These proposed revisions across higher education will limit access to further study and career opportunities, will impose a financial burden on young people, and will impact Australia’s standing internationally, as well as our standards here at home.

We call on our colleagues and our representatives in Canberra to band together to ensure this does not happen.

Alicia Cerreto

President, Professional Historians Association (Victoria and Tasmania)

HOW TO TAKE ACTION

We urge all PHA members, and our colleagues, to take action. Contacting the Senate crossbenchers in particular, the Senators in general, and your local MP is a concrete way to have your voice heard. Please use the statement above, or the form letters below, to let our elected representatives know just how important this matter is.

Senate Crossbenchers:

Senator Stirling Griff
Senator Rex Patrick 
Senator Jacqui Lambie 
Senator Pauline Hanson
Senator Malcolm Roberts 

Contact details for Senators and Federal members:

https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Guidelines_for_Contacting_Senators_and_Members/Address_labels_and_CSV_files

Form Letters:

Letter to Local MP

Letter to Senators