To whom it may concern
My name is Gabriella and I am a secondary school teacher in South Australia.
I believe that the Uluru Statement from the Hear is important as ensuring Aboriginal voice is valued in the constitution is the first step to Aboriginal voice being valued equally.
Enshrining the Voice in the consitiution rather than only including it in legislation will mean Aboriginal voice will have a rightful and permanent place in Australia's governing systems and will not be able to be ignored or dismissed.
Voice in Parliament could improve the lives of people in the community as Aboriginal concerns and rights will be given the same platform and level of importance as other issues. A voice to parliament will show young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people that being active in civic participation makes a difference to the outcomes and visibility of Aboriginal people.
Indigenous people having a say in the matters that affect them is fundamental to promoting self-determination, and establishing respect. Australia has a long history of Europeans believing they know what is best for Aboriginal people, and history has proven this to be a human rights disaster time and time again. Aboriginal people deserve to decide what is best for them and their communities.
Treaty is long overdue and though I am a non-Indigenous person, I hope being an ally to Aboriginal voice, rights, and people will help to amplify the call for change.
Thank you,
Gabriella Centofanti