To whom it may concern
Submission for Co-design process
I'm an Australian-Indian who is a law graduate working at Gilbert+Tobin. I have
previously worked at the ALS and AIATSIS. I was born, raised and currently lived in
Sydney.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I think the statement is remarkable for how consultative it was across a wide spectrum of
different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It shows us a clear intention
of what is required to properly enact reconciliation.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
Indigenous people's opinions, experiences and perspectives should be at the forefront of
any governmental or institutional response to the many ongoing issues affecting them,
particularly the ones which disproportionately affect them or are unique to them given
cultural circumstances. It's important as Indigenous people have real insight into what
can be done, of which others outside the community simply cannot have as close an
understanding.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution,
rather than include it only in legislation?
It is critical that the Voice is constitutionally enshrined rather than passed only through
legislation. Legislation is vulnerable to be repealed entirely by subsequent governments.
Constitutional status has both immense practical impact and also symbolic importance.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
It would make Australia a fairer place to live, as the Voice would assist in closing the gap
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It would improve the disparity which
exists in our community.
Thank you,
Shivika Gupta
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