1 minute read
Speech to Parliament
by Pat Waria-Read
The speech below, by Pat Waria-Read, was delivered at Parliament House by Connie Bonaros, Member of the Legislative Council of South Australia, SA Best on Tuesday 21st February 2023.
Before settlement Aboriginal people had a voice, an ancient voice. Our voice has travelled through time, from the beginning.
Our Elders guide us with their wisdom and stories.
Our voice makes a difference!
But today our voice is not heard, we are not listened to, we are silenced.
The Voice in Government can stop on-going trauma, judgemental and racist behaviour towards our Aboriginal families and communities.
Our voice can stop our families and communities from being punished, keep our children from the juvenile justice system, the Department for Child Protection, out of prison and stop our unborn babies from being ‘red flagged’ and then taken.
Our voice can ensure our children remain with family, community and stay connected to culture. Keeping our children linked to their culture gives us hope for our future. Our children lie at the heart of who we are.
Our voice is our community. Our voice strengthens, heals and builds resilience in support of our health, safety and wellbeing.
The Voice in Government will be the voice of our communities, families and children.
The Voice will ensure the voices of our Aboriginal nations in SA are heard.
Our voice will be heard not silenced.
