1990

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Submissions: Your Feedback

Submissions from people and organisations who have agreed to have their feedback published are provided below.

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Submission Number
1990
Participant
Anonymous
Submission date

To Co-Design Body

Co-design process: Submission

I am currently a first year law student at Curtin, but have interests in politics and the protection of human rights. I have worked at a variety of non-profit organisations doing work within my community, Red Cross and House To Grow to name a few. I'm originally from the UK but have lived in Perth since I was a child.

Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important because it amplifies the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in whatever way they intend it. Indigenous Australians should dictate what treaties need to be made, the terms involved, how they should be considered in the legislative process, and how they are recognized in the Constitution.

How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
As I am white it is not my place to say, please refer to any Noongar peoples voices as to ways to improve the lives of local Indigenous peoples.

Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
The Constitution is the highest law authority that directs the rest of Australian law as well as the legislature, executive and judiciary branches of government. It is enshrined with power and altering it would really send a message to how much Indigenous voices are valued and wanting to be heard.

Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
So often the intervention of white Australia leads to elders and other members of Australia Indigenous communities being talked over or infantilized as if white Australia knows better. Yet no one knows best for the Indigenous peoples of Australia than the Indigenous peoples of Australia. When solutions come from within the community they are much more effective. White Australia needs guidance that is meaningful and will enact change, and we won't see that until Indigenous people have a truly listened to and influential say in matters that directly affect them.

Kind regards