To Co-Design Body
Co-design process: Submission
I was born in central Queensland, and now live on Turrbul land. My ancestors came to Australia from all over the UK and Germany, many as refugees from political oppression, the Highland Clearances, and the Napoleonic Wars. My professional background is in research. I am also very aware of how much of my privilege exists because Indigenous people were forcibly driven from the land my ancestors and I have profited from.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an incredibly generous offer from Indigenous people to immigrant Australians. Indigenous people offer immigrant Australians a path to reconciliation and reparation, without which immigrant Australian culture will continue to be dysfunctional.
Why do you think Indigenous people should have a Voice to Parliament?
Indigenous people suffer underrepresentation in Australian public life and decision making. A Voice to Parliament would help address this, as well as providing a formal and visible example for increasing Indigenous representation in other decision-making bodies.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
Enshrining the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution gives it more protection. Legislation is too easily rewritten.
Why do you think a Voice to Parliament is important?
I see the Voice to Parliament being important in two main ways. Firstly, Indigenous perspectives are lacking from much of Australian public discourse, and the Voice to Parliament would be a good start to improve this. Secondly, the Voice to Parliament is what Indigenous people have proposed. Immigrant Australians need to acknowledge and accept that the Voice to Parliament is a way Indigenous people have chosen.
Kind regards
