This coming Saturday, Australians will vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the Referendum to recognise First Peoples in our Constitution and establish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Allies for Uluru, a 300 member strong cross-sector collaboration, calls on all Australians to accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk together for a better future, and vote ‘Yes’.
As Allies representing 97% of the Australian population, we must stand in solidarity with the vast majority of First Nations people who are calling for this change – to get ‘Yes’ across the line.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been clear in their request for this substantive change over many years of consultation and deep reflection. Now it is up to us as the Australian people, not politicians, to take our nation forward.
The many decades of inquiries, reports and recommendations have shown us that the current system cannot lead to meaningful change. The status quo cannot be allowed to stand. 'Yes' opens the door to something new and better.
It’s time to listen to First Nations Peoples for they hold the knowledge and solutions necessary for their communities. The bedrock of this country is 65,000 years of continuous culture – the worlds oldest – and a great source of pride for all.
Download the full media statement here.
View AHPA's statement of support for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament here.