Lili Prins

I am not Aboriginal but I have been with Aboriginal friends when they have experienced “subtle” discrimination like being overlooked while waiting to be served at public bars and food venues, being followed and searched at supermarkets and having racist remarks like Boong, Coon and Bloody Abo said to them when we are just walking down the street. I can only empathise with my friends as to how it feels for them. It makes ME uncomfortable and I always speak back or speak up if I hear or experience these injustices. It is disheartening that it has been happening since I was a kid in the 90s, and I still see it now in 2024.

Day to day injustices and being overlooked or judged contributes to a death by a thousand cuts. It isn’t hard to empathise and change behaviour. No one person is better than any other.

Cracking open the doors that have limited opportunities to First Nations people, and supporting and empowering them to step through, so they can share their knowledge and guide us towards better ways of being, working, living – together. Having a voice in Parliament that advocates for First Peoples. Not applying white fella boundaries on Culture and customs that we don’t fully understand. Allowing our First Nations people to manage Country and heritage in ways that are meaningful and right for them. Allowing First Peoples to have legislation that PROPERLY reflects what they need in place to protect their inherent rights to manage Country and proudly share their Culture in an equal and recognised way.

A well written, well considered Treaty, Australia wide. Abolishing Australia Day and acknowledging that it is not a celebration for Aboriginal People. TRUE history to be told in schools in ALL age groups. Sharing and acknowledgement of Language – Changing of place names and Language to be taught in schools in each state/mob area to bring more understanding and connection to non-Aboriginal people. Joint Land management practices to allow Country to be cared for the best way possible.