2104

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Submission Number
2104
Participant
Sam Smith
Submission date

Samantha Smith
CONNEWARRE, VIC 3227

Dear Co-Design Body

Co-design process: Submission for Sam Smith

I am not an Indigenous Australian but I believe we are well over due to ensure our parlimentary process shows due respect, cultural competance and Indigenous voices are heard and supported. My name is Sam Smith, I am the Manager of Sustainable Design and Environments at Deakin University. I grew up in Geelong, Wadawurrung Country and still live here now raising my family.

Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
This country was occupied successfully and sustainably for more than 60 000 year prior to colonisation. The people of this country had a lively history of community and a strong culture. This history and culture was willfully ignored by inflicting genocide on the original inhabitants. White history in this country is short, barbaric and shameless. Australians should be ashamed of this.

Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
If it was left to a %vote, it would be difficult to gte anything over the line. If it is in the constitution we acknowledge their place as rightful first people. This country was occupied before colonisation and sovreignty was never ceded.

How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
Aboriginal Australians are under represented in every facet of Australian life and yet we pride our selves on being multi-cultural, progresive and modern. A voice in parliament would allow self-determination, empowerment and give Aboriginal Australians opportunities in leadership.

Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
This is a matter of respect, honour and redress against the generation injury inflicted. It is an absolute disgrace that Aboriginal people do not have a voice in parliament in matters that not only afect them but how we make decsions on the stewardship of this land.

Always was, always will be.

Thank you,
Sam Smith