2948

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Submissions: Your Feedback

Submissions from people and organisations who have agreed to have their feedback published are provided below.

The views expressed in these submissions belong to their authors. The National Indigenous Australians Agency reserved the right not to publish submissions, or parts of submissions, that include, for example, material that is offensive, racist, potentially defamatory, personal information, is a copy of previously provided materials, or does not relate to the consultation process.

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Submission Number
2948
Participant
Veronique
Submission date

Submission to Co-design process

I am an academic in the field on nutrition science, dietetics and health. I live in Brisbane since 2009. I was born in France, from a Swiss mother and a French father. I spent my childhood in different places in the world because of my Dad's job. My mother always made sure we were not staying amongst expats, but got to know and befriend the locals. This taught me the value of diversity and differences, but most importantly the respect for custodians of the land and culture visited. After studying in Australia (nutrition science and dietetics, health, disease prevention), I chose to remain in Australia to contribute to the wellbeing of people here.

Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
I think that the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important, because there is really no other way, and it is too long overdue. I often mention that when I lived in New Zealand, New Caledonia the Caribbean's or Polynesia , I always had as many indigenous close friends than European friends. What has always disturbed me since being in Australia is the lack of integration and cohabitation with First Nations People, the lack of valuing their culture and view of the world and life. It is painful to see the degree of neglect.

Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
Because this is what will be the driver for true changes and the "evolution" of society in the right direction of a total unified society. The constitution of this country totally ignored the First Nations People, therefore it is founded on falsehood.

How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
Slowly but surely, the community may evolve into a truely unified and equal society, where the past is left behind because the future is promising and bright of opportunity for betterment. The way the country is governed, based on Western references and paradigm of growth, is not sustainable and ignorant of the deeper workings of life and the natural environment. A Voice to Parliament has the power to restore positive and fruitful balance at all level of society.

Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
It is important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them because it is human right! We cannot evolve as a society if these fundamentals are not available to everyone stepping on this land. Not making this happen, is perpetuating the atrocities of the past under colonial law. Besides, there is an enormous amount of benefits for the wellbeing of Australia and its land, to acknowledge the wisdom and knowledge carried by the First Nations People.

I wish I could do a lot more to contribute to this to happen. In the meantime I support it with all heart.

Thank you,
Veronique Chachay

 

 

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