To Co-Design Body
I am a solicitor from Adelaide. I grew up here and studied Law/Arts at university. I have had the opportunity to study foreign languages and experience foreign cultures by traveling. I am ashamed that in our celebration of multiculturalism, Australia has failed its first Australians.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is important because it calls for substantive action on reconciliation. We have been talking without giving First Nations peoples a Voice for too long.
I believe a Voice to Parliament is one way in which to recognise the rightful place of Indigenous Australians within the community, thereby improving the lives of the entire community. Embracing the ancient sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians will be of benefit to all Australians.
All humans, as individuals and as communities, must have a say in the matters that affect them. The right to self-determination is crucial in order to enable humans to feel fulfilled, empowered and happy. It is only fair that Indigenous Australians have a say in the matters that affect them. We have denied this say (and this Voice) for too long.
As a lawyer, I believe that enshrining the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution is key to ensuring it is effective and permanent. A referendum will result in the education of the Australian public, and will guarantee that the Voice's legitimacy can never be denied and its rightful place in our Parliament can no longer be ignored.
I strongly support a First Nations Voice to Parliament, enshrined in the constitution. I will share in this historic (and overdue) legacy by voting yes in a referendum. A Voice to Parliament is a step in the right direction, but it is by no means the endpoint on the road to reconciliation.
Always was, always will be.
