QLD, 4120
Dear Co-Design Body
Co-design process: Submission
I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and Shepparton. I studied Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne Uni and Bachelor of Science at RMIT. Since 2010, I have lived in Brisbane. I am not indigenous to Australia - my ancestry is mainly from England.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I have never felt comfortable growing up and living on stolen land. Other countries with similar circumstances with indigenous people such as New Zealand have made much more progress with making reparations.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
For far too long, white elected officials have attempted to make decisions in the interest of indigenous people and the consequences have been devastating. Only indigenous people know what changes need to be made in order to improve the circumstances for indigenous people.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
One poorly chosen government can overturn legislation while constitutional change is much more permanent and long lasting. The rights of indigenous people to have a voice deserves to be made permanent.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
I believe all communities in Australia stand to benefit by beginning the healing from the hurt and damage caused by 200 hundred years of ill treatment of indigenous people.
Kind regards
