“If the First Nations Voice is something you believe in, and you feel a conviction for it and in your heart you want to this happen, then stand with us and help us bring more people along … I am absolutely of the belief that when Australians from all walks of life take this up and walk with us as the Uluru Statement invited everybody to do … we’re going to make history together.” – Dean Parkin
DURING THIS EPISODE OF THE TIME TO LISTEN PODCAST…
We bring to you part two of our interview with Dean Parkin, the Director of the From the Heart campaign. From the Heart’s mission is to see Australia realise the principles laid out in the Uluru Statement — Voice, Treaty, Truth.
In this second part of our conversation, Dean demystifies the First Nations Voice; also known as the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. He explains at what point in the co-design process we find ourselves, and what the next steps are likely to be. We talk about the public submissions made to the Voice co-design process, and what they demanded of the Federal Parliament.
Dean explains why constitutional enshrinement of the First Nations Voice is vital and how it honours the wishes of First Nations people. We also talk about the prospect of bi-partisanship support during a potential referendum process.
We address the potential membership models for the First Nations Voice. Dean gives his opinion on how the First Nations Voice will practically address disadvantage experienced by Indigenous peoples. He addresses the common rationale that drives rebuttal against the First Nations Voice. Finally, we conclude with Dean’s opinion on how this profound reform opportunity will unite, not divide, Australian society.
Thank you for taking the time to listen.
Have you listened to part 1 of this podcast episode? You can find it here.