Yarning In Progress: Education Quarterly, Issue 7 2023
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples asking all Australians to walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament, enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty-making and truth-telling.
“We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart”
The Uluru Statement was presented to all Australians on 26 May, 2017.
It is not a petition to the monarchy or the government.
It is not a document to adorn the walls of Parliament House.
It is a gift to the Australian people.
As we work to achieve Voice, Treaty and Truth, the Uluru Statement artwork continues to travel around Australia.
“When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always known what works best for their families and communities. Advice, experience and wisdom in the community leads to better outcomes. Having a Voice will help deliver practical change in closing the gap in many areas for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
“We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed to “advancing the need to have constitutional recognition of First Nations people, including a Voice to Parliament that is enshrined in the Constitution” during his victory speech in May 2022.
On 19 June, 2023, the Senate passed legislation to enable the referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament to proceed. Uluru Dialogue co-chair Megan Davis said the Bill’s passing was an historic moment: “This is the recognition we’ve been fi ghting for and what the vast majority of First Nations People support. The signifi cance of this moment cannot be overstated.”
“We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future”
A successful outcome in the referendum, to be held later this year, will enable the Constitution to be altered to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Have you accepted this invitation? Will you take the first step together towards reform by voting “yes” in the referendum?
Walk together. Write “yes” on your referendum ballot paper.