Dear Co-Design Body
Submission to Co-design process
I was born in Tasmania, grew up here, and live here. Myfamily have been here for five generations and I feel blessed to call this country home. I worked for over 40 years as a nurse in various areas in a clinical/frontline capacity. I no longer work as a nurse as the frustration due to the deteriorating health care system left me “ burnt out”.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is vitally important to give recognition and a Voice to the First Nations people of our country. This would be a leap in allowing an honest and constructive conversation about our history, both colonial and modern, which would assist us in creating a truly cohesive Australia.
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 seems to me to have greater gravitas and permanency which a momentous decision such as this requires. Legislation seems to be subject to the vagaries of political parties, too often we see legislation changed from one government to the next, with little or no consultation.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
A Voice to Parliament could improve the self esteem of all Indigenous people, and I think of all Australians. Fairness, and a transparent process, would lead us all to feel pride in our society and may even repair some trust in the processes and people who govern us.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
It is important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them if the conditions of their lives are to improve, Closing the Gap is currently moving against a headwind of political obfuscation. An enshrined Voice in Parliament would allow Indigenous people the dignity of having some power to affect their future. Not having a place at the table has led to a litany of failed policies which have adversely impacted Indigenous lives, and cost the taxpayers with only more misery as our the outcome of our spending
I urge the Government to push forward with this important landmark in the making of a better country for all people who live in this country. Particularly for the Indigenous people of this country, who are this country. With a Voice they may even be able to help turn around some of the devastation of the land and water. I believe the rest of the world would applaud.
Yours sincerely
