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Inquiry into Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023

Inquiry into Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023

Reconciliation Australia provided a submission endorsing the proposed alteration to the Constitution of Australia to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia as contained in the Bill, as well as the establishment of a representative Voice which can advise Parliament and the Executive on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The proposed wording that the Voice “may make representations” to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth is clear, reasonable, and meaningful. It communicates a vitally important process whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be able to provide advice and expertise about law and policy-making processes that affect their lives.

The proposed Bill would have given effect to the aspirations of the Uluru Statement process and the ambitions of First Nations peoples in relation to a Voice to Parliament.

Graphic with orange, yellow and brown splashes under the red Reconciliation Australia - five curved lined, styled like a bridge or a rising sun.

Inquiry into Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023

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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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