Bronte NSW 2024
To whom it may concern
Submission to Co-design process
I am a partner at KWM, a multinational law firm, based in Sydney. I was born and live in
Sydney, but have spent a decade working in London and Paris.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
It is critical for First Australians to have a voice in matters relating to the way in which
they are governed. This is something they have clearly identified as important to them,
and should be respected by our goverment.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
A Voice to Parliament will improve the lives of all Australians, who will enjoy the
satisfaction of knowing that Australia is trying to improve the circumstances of our
Indigenous people by listening to the voice of those people.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
First Australians are the traditional owners of the land and were dispossessed from it.
Given the history of the treatment of First Australians in our country, it is important that
they have a voice in matters that affect them.
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 primary legal instrument governing our country. It is critical that
any changes are enshrined in the Constitution so that the rights provided are not
subsequently altered by a change in government, and to emphasise the importance that
our country places in the primacy of the Indigenous voice in matters impacting
Indigenous people and communities.
I am deeply ashamed as an Australian at the poor life outcomes, health and the
extraordinarily high rates of incarceration of our First Australians. The First Australians
groups have spoken and it is their wish to have a Voice that that wish should be
respected.
Yours sincerely,
