Today marks six years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was issued at Uluru on 26th May 2017.
Along with National Sorry Day and this year’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), it an important time for Australians to reflect.
Six years ago, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the nation issued the Statement from the Heart, inviting their fellow Australians ‘to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’.
At this historic meeting the Uluru Statement from the Heart called for the establishment of a Voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the Constitution.
It was the culmination of regional dialogues and included 1,200 First Nations representatives, that formed the Uluru Dialogues.
The sixth anniversary provides an opportunity for all Australians to reaffirm their commitment of the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in full.
The Australian Government understands that the Statement from the Heart provides the best chance to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and to bring people together and move our nation forward.
Next week the Constitutional Alteration is expected to pass the House of Representatives taking us one step close to a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament in Australia’s founding document.
In the words of the Uluru Statement let’s end “the torment of our powerlessness” and allow “our children to flourish”.
In 2017 we heard the call to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and in 2023 we deliver on its promise.
2023 will be the year that Australia moves forward to a better future, for everyone.
A “Yes” vote at the 2023 referendum is a chance for all of us to take the next step on the journey to reconciliation.
To be counted – and heard – on the right side of history.