21/04/2021
My name is Rosie Falengala Nunu and I am a proud Greek-Solomon Islander who was born in
Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, the traditional home to the Barngarla,
Nauo and Wirangu. I work as a co-educator in a primary school on Kaurna Country and am
studying a Master of Teaching.
As a woman belonging to a minority group, I support the Uluru Statement from the Heart
because my ancestors were also severely mistreated by those who colonised Australia -
blackbirded from the pacific to work on plantations. This has manifested into
intergenerational trauma which is also seen amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people. I empathise with the struggle of First Nations people and believe their Voice deserves
to be heard and respected.
First Nations people must be able to exercise their human rights and have an enshrined Voice
in the Constitution. To have a Voice in parliament will reshape the structure of our political
system which has allowed for racial discrimination and oppression to occur. Changing the
power imbalance will be for the betterment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in
Australia who have experienced racism for generations.
Voice representatives must be First Nations people because they are currently excluded from
important conversation. One need only look at incarceration rates and the educational and
health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to know there is systemic racism in
this country and this needs to change. I am in favour of the following points:
The Government must honour its commitment to a referendum once a model for the Voice
has been settled to ensure that a First Nations Voice to Parliament is protected by the
Constitution.
Enabling legislation for the Voice must be passed after a referendum has been held in the
next term of Parliament.
The membership model for the National Voice must ensure previously unheard Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people have the same chance of being selected as established
leadership figures.
I continue to walk with First Nations people and support constitutional reforms to empower
them to take their rightful place in their own country.
Yours Sincerely,
Rosie Falengala Nunu