Media Release –  7 November 2024 

Allies urge Queensland Government to allow Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry to continue 

The Allies for Uluru, a coalition of over 300 member organisations standing in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for voice, treaty and truth, call on the Queensland Government to allow the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry to continue.

The Inquiry is the culmination of many years of dedicated work and is a vitally important step on Queensland's Path to Treaty, a process that has the broad support of First Nations leadership and communities across the state, as well as the nation. 

The Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry is an opportunity for progress that must not be lost – generations of First Nations people in Queensland who suffered as a result of past policies will not see justice in their lifetimes if this process is stopped now.

Allies for Uluru urges the Queensland Government to act with decency and respect by allowing the Inquiry to proceed and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have their voices and truths heard.

The Queensland Government should not be afraid to let the truth be told, the road forward towards reconciliation and closing the gap for First Nations peoples must be self-determined and built on a solid foundation of truth.

Oxfam Chief Executive Lyn Morgain:

“We implore the Queensland Government to let the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry continue. Countless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples deserve to have their stories heard and their truth acknowledged. Stopping now would shatter dreams of reconciliation and deny generations the chance for truth, justice, and healing.”

ANTAR National Director Blake Cansdale:

"Premier Crisafulli proceeding with shutting down this independent inquiry would be a shameful act of government. The truth of Australia's shared history between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians is just that, it's the truth. It must be told and all Australians must embrace it as part of their own story, then and only then can we move forward as a nation towards a better future for all Australians."

The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Director of Social Justice and Regional Engagement Jaki Adams:

“The Queensland Government’s reluctance to fully commit to the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry risks undermining decades of work toward genuine reconciliation for all Australians. This Inquiry is not a formality – it’s a promise to generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who deserve to see justice and truth upheld in their lifetimes. To halt or diminish this process would not only betray those communities but also fracture Australia’s national journey toward voice, treaty, and truth. We urge the government to continue the journey to honour its responsibility and allow this process to continue, because reconciliation cannot move forward if truth is left behind.”

Led by The Fred Hollows Foundation, ANTAR, and Oxfam, the Allies for Uluru champions action that supports the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, articulated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

View PDF version of the Statement

Statement – 23 May 2024 

Allies for Uluru Statement of Commitment 

• 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.

View PDF version of the Statement

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’.”

Download PDF version of the Statement. 

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.