Marani Greatorex
North Fremantle, Western Australia
Dear Co-Design Body
Submission to Co-design process
My name is Marani Greatorex. I am a proud Jabirr Jabirr, Nyikina woman born and raised in
Broome, in the Kimberley. My family's connection come from Fitzroy River and Beagle Bay
country. I graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts at the
end of 2019, majoring in Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage. I currently work at the
WA Museum Boola Bardip as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project Officer.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have been voiceless and powerless. The Uluru
Statement of the Heart was a plea for meaningful recognition for Australia’s Indigenous
peoples. It has given our mob a voice on a level that would enable significant changes to be
considered, and to acknowledge that First Nations peoples were the first sovereign owners
of Australia.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
Why is it important for any person to have a say in the matters that affects them? The fact
that the inclusion of First Nations people’s voices is still depending on decision is
inexplicable. The lack of empathy that exist in our societies continues to be ignored. This is
extremely important to us because we want the right to self-determination for our peoples.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
In Australia’s system of democracy, it’s hard for Indigenous peoples to have our voices
heard. Having a Voice to Parliament to enable Indigenous peoples have a say in the laws,
policies and programs that affect their rights would improve my community and every other
Aboriginal community within Australia.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather
than include it only in legislation?
As it mentioned in the Uluru Statement, we seek constitutional reform to empower our
people and take rightful place of our own country. The absence of constitutional enrichment
for First Nations peoples and their voices complements the marginalisation we endure.
There needs to be constitutional recognition and representation of First Nations peoples.
I support a First Nations Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution. The fight for
recognition and equality won’t relinquishes.
Yours sincerely,
Marani Greatorex
