Dear Co-Design Body
Submission for Co-design process
I am a young lawyer working at a corporate law firm on Gadigal land. I grew up on Awabakal land and currently reside on Gadigal land.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I believe that the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important as it solidifies in our national agenda and the Australian public view that issues relating to Indigenous Australians are of utmost national importance and that we, as non-Indigenous Australians, recognise and strive to reconcile the atrocities committed and continuing to be committed against Indigenous Australians.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
A voice to Parliament would significantly improve the lives of Indigenous people in my community by providing them with greater access to resources, a more defined voice as to their needs and necessities and greater recognition as the traditional custodians of our land.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
Constitutional recognition is hugely important, as it shows that in the most important document in Australia, Indigenous people are recognised as the traditional owners of the land and their rights are recognised and respected by all Australians.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
Self determination is highly important and integral to allow individuals and cultures to grow and thrive. For many years and still to this day, Indigenous Australians have been and are denied the right to make fully informed decisions about the matters that affect them and its time that we provide this right to our Indigenous people.
Thank you
