Statement – 22 April 2024
Allies for Uluru Statement of Commitment
On 14 October 2023, more than six million Australians said 'Yes' to walking together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a better future.
In the wake of the referendum, the Allies for Uluru continue to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. As a coalition of civil society organisations, corporations and community groups, we are committed to demonstrating our full and unwavering support for the core principles of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. That is…
- We recommit to actively pursuing the establishment of representative voices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;
- We recommit to supporting sovereign to sovereign agreement-making and treaty negotiations between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Australian governments; and
- We recommit to actively pursuing a national truth-telling process, as a vehicle for healing.
As Allies, we must incubate our hope for a better future, yet more than this, we must join our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in building the future that we desire. We will do this by continuing to advocate for the rights and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Where we see pockets of hope or progress – nationally, regionally and locally – we will add our voices to those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations and communities.
We call on all Australian governments and opposition parties to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to lay the foundation for a more fair and truthful relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. We believe that this will deliver a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, one based on justice and self-determination. In turn, we believe that this will deliver a better future for all Australians.
The Allies for Uluru reaffirm that the way forward for our nation lies in accepting the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and actively working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to build our shared vision for a mature, just and equal Australia.
Statement – 9 October 2023
Allies for Uluru call on Australians to vote ‘Yes’
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.
Settlement Services International CEO Violet Roumeliotis:
“The Voice to Parliament is a simple but powerful proposal that would harness the great strength and wisdom in First Nations communities. Referendum day is an opportunity to stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and show we believe in recognition, reconciliation and a more equitable Australia.”
Life Without Barriers CEO Claire Robbs:
“We no longer have the right to advance policies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people without their Voice at the centre of the solutions. What we have done for decades has proved we don’t have the answers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Voice is so very simple, it is an advisory body to Government, represented by First Nations people for First Nations people. Our nation's answer to the question on 14 October needs to be a simple and uncomplicated Yes.”
Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) CEO, Adj Prof Terry Slevin:
“All Australians will be enriched by a ‘Yes’ vote. This modest change to our constitution will boost our pride in our country. It will give due respect to our First Peoples, help address the inequalities they experience, and will help improve health outcomes. It is fair. It is time. Please, please vote ‘Yes’.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ian Wishart:
"Fred was a champion for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples when it came to good health, their right to sight, and self-determination."
"He once said "I do what the mob tells me, I'm just an eye tradesman", and as an organisation, we reaffirm our commitment to his legacy, and stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their call for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament."
"With less than a week to go before all Australians can have their say on a better future - one that embraces the Uluru Statement from the Heart and calls for a voice, reconciliation, agreement making and truth telling - it's time to do not only the right thing, but the smart thing, and say yes."
Oxfam Chief Executive Lyn Morgain:
“On October 14, let's do more than just cast a vote; let's craft a positive new chapter in our nation’s story – one that embraces unity and equality.” “As allies, we must stand together with First Peoples and say 'Yes' to transformative change, ‘Yes’ to truth-telling, and ‘Yes’ to a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are included in decision-making that shapes their lives and communities.”
ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie: “As national peak body for the community sector with deep social policy experience, ACOSS urges all Australians to come together to change this nation for the better by voting Yes. We know that governments make better decisions when they listen to people directly affected by their policies. For far too long governments have ignored the advice of First Nations people. This Saturday, we have an opportunity to right that longstanding wrong and make our system fairer.”
ANTAR President Peter Lewis:
"Allies must stand in solidarity with First Nations people on 14 October and say 'Yes' to recognition and listening. This Referendum is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for change – for us to take meaningful steps towards justice and equality as a nation. It's time to walk together for a better Australia."
Cerebral Palsy Alliance CEO Rob White:
“At its core, a Voice to Parliament is all about inclusion and ensuring all community members are heard. Every Australian deserves to be included in decision-making on the policy issues that directly affect them. We can make this happen on October 14th and accept the generous invitation to move forward together.”
Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) President Shaun Marcus:
“The ALA is committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This starts with recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia through the enshrinement of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution.”
“The Uluru Statement from the Heart powerfully expresses how the Australian legal system has served to disempower and marginalise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, the ALA is confident that the law can be used effectively to create a more just and equitable society – that includes establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.”
“ALA members have determined that the provisions underlying the proposed constitutional amendment and the Voice are legally sound, well-drafted and appropriate. The ALA is proud to support ‘Yes’ on 14 October 2023.”
The Wilderness Society (TWS) National Campaign Director Amelia Young:
“The Wilderness Society supports all three principles from the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Treaty and Truth.” “Right now, it is crucial that Australians make an informed vote and engage in this pivotal moment in a way that advances the rights and aspirations of First Nations people. Our organisation urges Australians to write ‘yes’.”
Media Release – 30 August 2023
Allies for Uluru call for action: ‘The time for change is now’
The Allies for Uluru, a coalition of nearly 300 social sector organisations, will be ramping up its efforts to ensure a ‘Yes’ vote for the Voice to Parliament now that a date has been set for the referendum.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that Australians will head to the polls on Saturday, 14 October to vote in their first referendum in 24 years.
The announcement represents another crucial step towards a ‘Yes’ vote, which would offer Australia a unique opportunity to progress human rights, justice and equality by ensuring the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are brought into the heart of our national dialogue.
With only six weeks until the referendum, leaders from Allies for Uluru are urging the thousands of Australians within their networks to have conversations with their friends, families and colleagues about the Voice and why it’s time to say ‘Yes’.
Whether it be through kitchen table conversations, attending community events or hanging ‘Yes’ signs in your home or business – no act is too small to help generate the groundswell of public support needed to ensure a successful referendum.
Allies must help build momentum for justice and real change alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, creating a more just and inclusive Australian society.
The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Social Justice and Regional Engagement Director Jaki Adams:
“The date is now set and we as Australians have the opportunity to say YES to a better future.
“One that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recognised as the First Australians and provides a mechanism for us to have a say on matters that affect us directly.
“We have and will be able to offer solutions that work - with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples voices being heard and respected.
"The invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart is recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the time for change – Acknowledgement, a Voice, Reconciliation, Agreement Making and Truth Telling – is now.”
ANTAR National Director Paul Wright:
"ANTAR stands with First Nations people in calling on Australians to vote 'Yes' in the referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution and establish the Voice to Parliament.
“We accept the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and will continue doing all we can to urge our fellow Austrailians to walk together towards a better, more equitable future.
“It's time for change and we must seize this once in a generation opportunity to progress rights and justice for First Nations people."
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said:
“We’re just six weeks away from a significant moment in our country’s history.
“It’s now time for every one of us who believes in a better future for all Australians to have those conversations and help plant the seeds to ensure a successful ‘Yes’ vote is delivered in October.”
ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie:
“Today’s announcement is another great milestone for us all, with the community sector a strong supporter of the campaign to deliver a ‘Yes’ vote at the forthcoming referendum.
“The Voice to Parliament will bring us a step closer to recognising and valuing the knowledge, expertise, and culture of First Nations peoples with a constitutionally-protected opportunity to be heard.
“We encourage everyone to accept the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and get involved in the movement towards a better future.”
Media Release – 19 June 2023
Allies for Uluru CEOs welcome historic milestone in Voice Referendum
CEOs from Allies for Uluru, a cross-sector collaborative coalition of over 200 members, warmly welcome the historic passage of legislation to hold a referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
This landmark decision represents a significant stride towards a ‘Yes’ vote, and reflects a unified commitment to recognising and valuing the sovereignty, knowledge, expertise and culture of First Nations people.
Guided by First Nations-led campaigns such as the Uluru Dialogue and Yes 23, CEOs from Allies for Uluru are actively encouraging the thousands of Australians within their networks to help generate a groundswell of public support necessary to ensure a successful referendum.
Oxfam Acting Chief Executive Andrew Buchanan:
"Today's Senate vote marks a significant turning point in our nation's journey towards reconciliation and empowerment of First Peoples."
"Now is the time for attention to turn from parliament toward the Australian community. As a nation, we stand at the precipice of an unparalleled opportunity to make history by voting YES to a Voice to Parliament.”
ANTAR National Director Paul Wright:
“Another hurdle cleared, Parliament has now made way for the Australian people to decide if we will accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and choose to ‘walk together’ for something better.”
“As the consideration of proper Recognition and Voice leaves the Canberra arena, It is a good thing that it will now be in our towns and cities, our communities and around our kitchen tables that we reflect on what is at stake.”
ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie:
“Today’s vote is a historic step towards recognising and valuing the knowledge, expertise, and culture of First Nations people."
“The Voice to Parliament will give First Nations people a constitutionally-protected opportunity to be heard and is a common sense way to secure policies that improve health outcomes, and reduce poverty and disadvantage."
“We encourage everyone to accept the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement and get involved in the movement towards a better future.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ian Wishart:
"The passing of this bill paves the way for referendum and brings Australia one step closer to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard."
"We now have a real opportunity to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are brought into the heart of our national dialogue. Let's build on this momentum, step up into the conversation and encourage all to make an informed decision on the Voice."
Media Release – 22 May 2023
Allies for Uluru CEOs inspire action for Voice ahead of Uluru Statement Anniversary
CEOs from Allies for Uluru, a cross-sector collaborative coalition of more than 200 members, are showing their support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart to mark six years since it was issued by motivating their networks to take action for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Guided by First Nations-led campaigns the Uluru Dialogue and Yes 23, Allies for Uluru CEOs are encouraging the many thousands of Australians in their networks to move beyond educating to activating – to build the groundswell of public support needed to secure a successful referendum.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman:
“The referendum is an historic opportunity to come together and show who we are as a nation – fair, just and proud of the rich contribution that First Nations peoples bring. Beyond Blue has long supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its invitation to walk with First Nations peoples for a better future; a future that we hope will better support First Nations social and emotional wellbeing. The Uluru statement is Australia’s largest ever First Nations consensus on recognition. So my heart says YES to a Voice to Parliament.”
Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education Director Alopi Latukefu:
“We are at a point where a decision by a generation will forge a new beginning and an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. The Edmund Rice Centre supports the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs:
“We embrace the Uluru Statement in its entirety and support the Voice to Parliament as an important first step in truly shifting reconciliation in this country. Life Without Barriers will continue to be accountable as a partner in the Allies for Uluru and unite to support Australians in their understanding of how our country can thrive with the proper recognition and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Oxfam Chief Executive Lyn Morgain:
“Oxfam is proud to be collaborating with our peers across the not-for-profit sector in the lead up to the historic Referendum. We walk as allies alongside First Nations communities and we invite our supporters to embark on the journey with us by participating in the Referendum and voting YES!”
ANTAR National Director Paul Wright:
“Every day we hear from ANTAR supporters about their commitment to Voice, Treaty and Truth. There is excitement for the opportunity to take a historic and momentous step together this year when we go to the Referendum voting booths. Our many thousands of supporters and friends around Australia are proud to be part of the Allies for Uluru and our collective action for YES.”
ACOSS Deputy CEO Edwina MacDonald:
“Six years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart, this year’s referendum is long overdue. ACOSS is proud to be leading the community services sector in recognising the 65,000 years of Australia’s First Nations history. This Reconciliation week, and beyond, we will join with First Nations’ peoples to achieve a resounding ‘yes’ for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, enshrined in the constitution.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ian Wishart:
“Now is the time for leadership and for our allies to step up into the conversation. This is the only way we can ensure that First Nations Voices are brought into the heart of our national dialogue.It has been six years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was born, an invitation that built on decades of work. We now have the opportunity to make an informed decision on the Voice and a moral imperative to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before arriving at our own decision.”
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a gift to all Australians. The upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament is an opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s constitution and also ensure their voices are heard on issues that affect them.
The Allies for Uluru Coalition was co-founded by the Fred Hollows Foundation, Oxfam Australia, ACOSS and ANTAR in February 2023. The founding member organisations are working to build a groundswell of public support for the Uluru Statement and ‘yes’ vote.
Statement – 23 March 2023
Allies for Uluru Coalition endorse First Nations Voice Referendum question
The Allies for Uluru Coalition – representing more than 180 civil society organisations across the country – welcome and endorse the agreed wording for constitutional change and a First Nations Voice to Parliament announced by the Prime Minister today.
We have heard the message of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders of the Uluru Statement From the Heart seeking Voice, Treaty, Truth and we stand with the hundreds of thousands of First Nations people that are calling for this simple and modest reform.
As the Prime Minister said today: “Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our Constitution is the best chance this country has had to address the injustices of the past and move Australia forward for everyone, and the best way to do this is to give people a voice.”
The recommendation of the working group with agreement of the government is to ask Australians to amend the Constitution to include: In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
1. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
By answering this question: A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Do you approve this proposed alteration?
The answer needed from a majority of Australians, in a majority of states, is Yes.
This is a simple proposition for Recognition and Consultation. The Allies for Uluru believe this is a good proposal that will bring First Nations Voices into the heart of our national dialogue and support the practical changes that we all hope to see. Our organisations stand together with the many First Nations peoples on the path to a successful Referendum and beyond – we support Yes.
Media Release – 28 February 2023
Social sector organisations launch Allies for Uluru
Coalition in support of Voice
National social sector organisations The Fred Hollows Foundation, Oxfam Australia, ACOSS and ANTAR will launch the Allies for Uluru Coalition in Melbourne today to support a ‘YES’ vote in the upcoming referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution and establish a Voice to Parliament.
The Allies for Uluru Coalition, representing 144 organisations and thousands of individual supporters across the country, stand ready to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards a better, brighter future, and extend the invitation to other organisations to join them in the alliance for this historic vote.
The launch of the Coalition follows the First-Nations-led ‘Yes’ campaign which formally launched in Adelaide last week. The Fred Hollows Foundation, Oxfam, ACOSS and ANTAR have been involved in campaign planning and will use the Coalition as a means to drive meaningful action and build a groundswell of public support for the yes vote.
The Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ian Wishart said: “Sight, good health and the right for people to have a meaningful say on decisions that affect them are basic human rights and The Fred Hollows Foundation stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to call for these rights, which can only be achieved through a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament,” Mr Wishart said. “Fred once said that Aboriginal people would not be healthy until they were running their own health services, and this is the essence of self-determination. He knew over three decades ago that giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a genuine say on issues that affect them is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”
Oxfam Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said: “Oxfam Australia has a strong, over 50-year history working as an ally with First Nations communities. We are committed to self-determination, recognition of sovereignty and a democracy that is founded on Treaty and truth-telling. We walk proudly alongside our peers in the non-government sector and with First Nations communities on the journey toward reconciliation. “We support voting Yes in the upcoming referendum because First Peoples’ voices must be heard on matters that affect them. It will also help us as a nation to take steps towards delivering a better future for the First Peoples of Australia.”
ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said: “At this most historic of times, ACOSS is proud to walk with First Peoples to shape a brighter, better Australia. Recognising First Peoples and the 65,000 years of their continuing connection to this land is a proud part of this country’s history. “This inclusion in the Constitution, along with enshrining a Voice to Parliament, is long overdue and critical for Indigenous Australians to have self-determination and a greater say over their lives, alongside Treaty, and Truth. “We will be proudly working to mobilise our members across Australia to vote ‘yes’ in the August referendum.”
ANTAR National Director Paul Wright said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to walk a better path for Australia. I want to be part of the generation that walked the talk and made Voice, Treaty and Truth a positive force for change across our country.” “ANTAR stands with the many First Nations peoples and our fellow civil society partners in calling for the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a gift to all Australians. The upcoming referendum on the Voice is an opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s constitution and also ensure their voices are heard on issues that impact their communities.
The Allies for Uluru Coalition supports the implementation of the Uluru Statement in full, a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice as well as the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to oversee national treaty and truth-telling processes.