Andrew Limareff
Dear Co-Design Body
Submission to Co-design process
Second generation immigrant. Have grown up with and, lived through, a lifetime of racial
difference. For all intents and purposes, I was born on Alberton oval. White skinned, but
with friends of many different colours.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I've long held that the Murray is the spiritual heart-land of South Australia. Having, since,
camped along the Coorong, I'm not so sure. Something that is driven home, wherever I
rest my head each night, is that we've done wrong by the original custodians of this land.
It's no skin off my nose to acknowledge a rich history of custodianship, and give thanks
to the people of the nations that have tended to the land I now call home.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
It's time to quieten the ignorant voice of vitriol. For many years, our forefathers (and
foremothers) have suffered abuse. This is a great opportunity for us white-folk to stop
and say "I'm listening".
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
A voice to parliament gives legitimacy to the traditional owners of this land. It normalises
the voice of the original custodians and lends weight where people would, otherwise, not
listen.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution,
rather than include it only in legislation?
It's an acknowledgement that we share this land with people from many countries,
people who were here before we were. It's an acknowledgement that our white
ancestors took this land without consideration, that we understand, and accept, that, and
that there is no way forward without a little concession on both sides. It's a step forward
towards harmony. It's an acknowledgement that we have different values, different
existences, but we can support each other. First, and foremost, it's an acknowledgement
of each other and an agreement that each other matters.
Thank you,
Andrew Limareff
