Rachel Jay
South Melbourne
To Co-Design Body
Submission to Co-design process
My childhood was spent in Murwillumbah. I have lived in Naarm/Melbourne for over 20 years now. I have studied Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Swinburne. I work as an IT professional, currently at City of Melbourne. I'm involved in City of Melbourne's Gardens for Wildlife group, volunteering to help people make their garden spaces more friendly for wildlife, and I sing with the Melbourne Gospel Choir.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I think we have waited long enough for our government to make giving voice to our Indigenous people a priority. I understand that this is a complex issue and it is difficult to present a single voice, but it's important that it finally be heard. For too long white Australia has spoken for our first Australians. It's time that changes and that space is created for all.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
I'm not sure how this is even a question, it should be obvious that people affected by any matter should have a say in those matters.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
I don't really know but look forward to it being made more inclusive.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
Legislation can be changed by different government whereas the Constitution is more enduring.
I look forward to the next stage and hope this represents real change in this country. I'd like to finally be proud to be an Australian.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Jay
