Shireen Morris – författare

Neither Indigenous nor white, Shireen Morris is both outside observer and inside player in the fight for Indigenous rights. Framed by her family's Indian and Fijian migrant story, Morris gives a personal perspective on what many consider the greatest moral challenge of our nation: constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.She reveals the behind-the-scenes action of working with powerful Indigenous advocates, helpful (and unhelpful) lawyers, unlikely conservative allies and infuriating politicians—the wins, disappointments and, ultimately, the betrayals that led to the Turnbull government's heartbreaking rejection of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Radical Heart is a challenge for all Australians to dream together of a fairer future, and work as one to make it happen.

This book makes the legal and political case for Indigenous constitutional recognition through a constitutionally guaranteed First Nations voice, as advocated by the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart. It argues that a constitutional amendment to empower Indigenous peoples with a fairer say in laws and policies made about them and their rights, is both constitutionally congruent and politically achievable. A First Nations voice is deeply in keeping with the culture, design and philosophy of Australia’s federal Constitution, as well as the long history of Indigenous advocacy for greater empowerment and self-determination in their affairs. Morris explores the historical, political, theoretical and international contexts underpinning the contemporary debate, before delving into the constitutional detail to craft a compelling case for change.

This book makes the legal and political case for Indigenous constitutional recognition through a constitutionally guaranteed First Nations voice, as advocated by the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart. It argues that a constitutional amendment to empower Indigenous peoples with a fairer say in laws and policies made about them and their rights, is both constitutionally congruent and politically achievable. A First Nations voice is deeply in keeping with the culture, design and philosophy of Australia’s federal Constitution, as well as the long history of Indigenous advocacy for greater empowerment and self-determination in their affairs. Morris explores the historical, political, theoretical and international contexts underpinning the contemporary debate, before delving into the constitutional detail to craft a compelling case for change.