Monkerai NSW 2415
Dear Co-Design Body
Submission for Co-design process
I am a non-indigenous lecturer at the University of Newcastle in the School of Architecture and the built environment. I live in Monkerai, a rural area which is about 100km north of where I was born, by the beach in Newcastle, NSW.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
This significant statement has been made after a long and thoughtful process. Acknowledgement and ratification of this statement by the Australian public and government is important for our nation to move forward together.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
It is important to constitutionally recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders were here before the British, before the development of any legislation.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
Clearly stated expectations and known processes will help indigenous and on-indigenous people going forward
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
Research shows that when communities have a say and can take action in matters that affect them, successful outcomes for those communities and other affected groups are more successful than when the matters are dealt with from an "outsider" approach.
Kind regards,
