To Co-Design Body
Submission for Co-design process
I was born in New Zealand, a country which also has an indigenous
people. I was raised to see the Maori people as New Zealanders,
distinctly different in their ways but still New Zealanders. I have
called Australia home for half of my life of 68 years. I have retained
my NZ Passport and as such, unsure if I am entitled to express my
opinion here. This is my home. I am now in the late years of my life.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
To me Aboriginal People are Australian People, and the Aboriginal
Culture is of paramount importance to Australia. It is as Australian
as you can get. Their ways are different at times, but unique in their
own right. It is so very important they have a voice, and will always
have a voice in Australia. It is a sad reflection on this Government
that this is not always the case.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament
in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
Enshrined in the Constitution means it cannot be changed by an
ever changing government.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your
community?
Basically .. A Voice to be Heard in the running of this country and
the laws that govern it
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the
matters that affect them?
The Aboriginal Culture is different, it is distinctly different to our
English ways, it has a right to have a say and to be heard. An
Aboriginal voice can only enrich our present English Heritage. The
relationship with land so very important to acknowledge,
understand and embrace.
Yours sincerely,
