JOSHUA SIELY
To Co-Design Body
Submission to Co-design process
My name is Josh, I live in Southern Sydney and work full-time in the finance industry out
of the Sydney CBD.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I believe it is important for Australians to understand the culture and history of our First
Nations people and for them to have a meaningful voice in the Australian Parliament.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
I hope that it influences our politicians to communicate with all Australians so we can
better understand the current issues and enact change. We need our leaders to support
the Indigenous communities by listening and creating action for the benefit of Australia.
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 important as it symbolises an acceptance amongst Australians to hear the truth of
our history with the First Nations people and a major step forward in addressing the
numerous issues facing the Indigenous population.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
Progress on 'closing the gap' will continue to be difficult if only white people are the ones
who assess issues and attempt to resolve them. We need Indigenous people who have
a deep understanding of the issues that confront communities and the best ways
forward.
It's a decision that really would have zero downside but rather the potential to
significantly change the country for the better.
Kind regards,
JOSHUA SIELY
