Dani Larkin

Dr Dani Larkin's research seeks to strengthen First Nations participation, representation, and self-determination within Australia's legal, constitutional, and policy frameworks. Her work bridges academic scholarship, law reform, public advocacy, and community engagement, ensuring research outcomes contribute beyond the university sector to public debate, policy development, and Indigenous communities.

A significant focus of Dr Larkin's research has been the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the advancement of Indigenous political participation and representation. Through her leadership within the Senior Uluru Dialogue, she has engaged directly with Indigenous communities, leaders, policymakers, legal professionals, and the broader public to support understanding of constitutional reform and First Nations decision-making structures. Her contributions have informed national conversations about constitutional recognition, Voice reform, Indigenous governance, and self-determination.

Dr Larkin's research has generated impact through:

• Informing law reform and public policy relating to First Nations justice, constitutional reform, and democratic participation.
• Providing expert advice to governments, legal organisations, advocacy groups, and community-led initiatives.
• Contributing to public understanding of Indigenous rights and constitutional reform through national media commentary, public education initiatives, and community engagement.
• Supporting truth-telling and historical accountability through contributions to the UNSW Indigenous Law Centre and Public Interest Advocacy Centre's Towards Truth project.
• Promoting equitable democratic participation through research and advocacy on Indigenous voting rights and electoral law reform.

Her expertise has been sought by a diverse range of national and international organisations, including United Nations bodies, legal professional associations, government agencies, parliamentary representatives, community organisations, and universities. She has presented research and expert commentary to audiences spanning legal practitioners, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, academics, and the wider public.

Dr Larkin's impact is further demonstrated through her extensive engagement with public discourse. She is a regular media commentator on Indigenous constitutional reform, Indigenous rights, and First Nations public policy, translating complex legal issues into accessible and informed public discussion. Her research has been disseminated through scholarly publications, commissioned reports, public submissions, national media outlets, keynote presentations, and community forums.

Drawing on her experience as both a lawyer and academic, Dr Larkin is committed to producing research that supports practical change, advances Indigenous rights, and contributes to more just and inclusive legal and political institutions.