In this very important episode, Caroline yarns extensively with Thomas Mayo, a proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal and Erub Torres Strait Islander man. Thomas is a published author having published six books, his latest book is co-authored with well-respected journalist, Kerry O’Brien, The Voice to Parliament Handbook – All the details you needwas published 17 May 2023.
Tom is also the signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since the statement’s development in 2017, yarning with First Nations people, families and communities for the last 6 years.
In the next few months, Australians will have their say, in a once in a generation referendum, on whether to ‘recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’. It’s understood the design of the Voice itself will follow and will be elected based on local communities wishes. It will be an independent and representative body for First Nations peoples and communities.
It would advise the Australian Parliament and the Government.It would give First Nations peoples a say on matters that affect them.In this yarn, Tom Mayo shares the opportunity with a ‘YES’ vote, to have a national and consolidated policy approach led by First Nations people and not governments.
He delves deep into the origins of First Nations statements and petitions in ‘so called Australia’ dating back to William Cooper’s statement to the king, in 1938. He shares the journey that led to the development of the Uluru Statement of the heart in 2017, which calls for the ‘establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of Treaty/agreement-making and truth-telling about our history.’
Lastly, he discusses the 8 design principles, or key next steps, following a ‘YES’ vote. To find out more about these key next phases, visit here!
To follow Tom Mayo and the work he is doing to support communities to understand this process, visit Thomas Mayo here!
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Caroline is the Founder of Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting and can be found on instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!
We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was recorded. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.
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