Football Australia's Statement on the Upcoming Referendum for the Voice to Parliament
In light of the upcoming referendum for the Voice to Parliament, Football Australia wishes to re-emphasise its steadfast commitment by supporting the 'Yes' campaign.
This sentiment echoes Football Australia’s previous declaration made on 13 September 2022 and re-affirmed on 25 May, 2023 (READ HERE), where Football Australia wholeheartedly supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart, acknowledging its importance in Australia's journey of reconciliation.
Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson, previously mentioned, “As the largest club-based participation sport in the country, we play a significant role in Australia’s reconciliation journey. This belief is deeply ingrained in our organisational DNA. We have recognised and celebrated the legacy of figures like Charlie Perkins, Frank Farina, Jade North, Travis Dodd, Lydia Williams, and Kyah Simon and their contributions both on and off the field. It's imperative for us to continue acknowledging the ongoing and modern-day significance of such legacies.”
While Football Australia advocate for the 'Yes' vote based on the organisation’s commitment to reconciliation, understanding, and the deep consultations with our National Indigenous Advisory Group (NIAG), Football Australia also encourage the community to be informed about the purpose of the referendum and to participate thoughtfully in this significant process by referring to official resources.
NIAG Co-chairs Jade North/Karen Menzies said "The recent FIFA Women’s World Cup was a momentous occasion for the CommBank Matildas and women's football. The CommBank Matildas have united a nation.
"We believe a successful 'Yes' vote will also unite us all as the nation did at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.
"A Voice to Parliament will improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and it will have a positive impact on all of us.
"We hope to wake up the day after the Referendum as elated as we were after this history-making World Cup."
A Voice to Parliament will give Indigenous communities a route to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives. Giving people a say will lead to more effective results.
Embedding a Voice in the Constitution would recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s history, but importantly would also mean that it remains consistently available for advising into the future.
In the words of Courtney Fewquandie, Football Australia General Manager of First Nations, “The Uluru Statement is amongst a number of urgent calls for systemic change driven by our people and the Voice to Parliament is a crucial component.
“Football has always been a sport that unifies diverse groups, teaching us values of teamwork, respect, and understanding. By supporting the Voice to Parliament and YES23, Football Australia hopes to champion these values at a national level, promoting a progressive and united future for all Australians.
We stand in solidarity with the other Australian Sporting codes in their commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Voice to Parliament, as together we strive for a brighter and stronger future for our nation.”
YES23 https://www.yes23.com.au/
AEC https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/
Voice https://voice.gov.au/