Dr Faiza el-Higzi OAM
Voting YES for me is an ethical decision because I am a migrant to this country.
I was born in a country that was colonised by the British and I understand the impact of colonisation on indigenous communities from loss of culture, language, and identity to loss of resources. While my homeland gained its independence decades ago, I now find myself contributing to the settlement of another country. I have spent more time in Australia than in the country I was born in and I have set roots in this land and call it home. However, I am conscious that my existence here directly and indirectly impacts the Indigenous people of this land.
I want to be part of the movement that gives better recognition and acknowledgement of First Nations in this land. I want to see First Nations peoples in Australia enjoy the same privileges as everyone else and not be left behind. I believe that recognition of First Nations in the Australian Constitution by giving them a Voice to Parliament as a mechanism to ensure their views are heard, is a first step in a process of recognition and acknowledgement that Australia has to embark on.
Come Referendum day I am voting YES and I will be encouraging other migrants to join me in recognising our brothers and sisters and giving them a Voice to Parliament.