Michael Leane
To Co-Design Body
I live in the North East of Adelaide but grew up on the south coast of the Fleurieu
Peninsula. Prior to my retirement from paid employment 3 years ago I spent about a
decade working with remote Aboriginal Community members in relation to their
electricity supplies.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart and a strategic document in the history of Australia
where First Nations peoples have provided us all with a road map toward First Nation
People taking their rightful place in our land.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
My view is that only through listening to the voices of Indigenous Australians and
recognising their history and culture developed over millennia, can we ever hope to
become one nation for all Australia.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution,
rather than include it only in legislation?
I believe that the National Voice must be representative of the diverse populations and
needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and must speak to the
Commonwealth Parliament and Government on policy and legislation. It should act and
operate independently from the Parliament and Government.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
First Nations People should have a Voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution
and a Makarrata Commission to supervise agreement-making (treaty) and truth-telling.
Kind regards,
Michael Leane
