The 800-kilometre journey reprises the AFL legend's pioneering 2004 Long Walk to the nation's capital, which aimed to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
TRANSCRIPT:
AFL legend and Indigenous community activist Michael Long has taken the first steps in a long walk from Melbourne to Canberra to raise support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Starting his trek from Melbourne Town Hall, he says he hopes to also raise more awareness about the upcoming referendum on the Indigenous Voice.
"People can join us you know obviously from the start, to different country areas which will be going through, schools. It's about bringing people with you and being a part of that conversation. We want to engage as many people as we possibly can."
It has been 19 years since the former Essendon star's first Long Walk to present then-Prime Minister John Howard with a list of what was needed to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians on health, education and economic outcomes.
After decades of campaigning, Mr Long says the referendum offers Australia an opportunity to move forward in a substantial and meaningful way.
"It's time to closing the gap together. It's time Australia to move forward together as all Australians. It's time Australia to unite this country not to divide. It's time, Australia, for change for all."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says there is both a sadness and an optimism in the continued need for change.
"The fact that uncle Michael - and many others - have to walk again to Canberra nearly 20 years on from that first groundbreaking effort to be heard, to be recognised, to speak their truth, to tell their story - is in many respects sad. But at the same time we have in just a few months time, a date will be set soon. We have an opportunity as a nation to do so much more, and so much better."
Michael Long aims to complete his journey from Melbourne to Canberra by September 14 and wants as many Australians as possible to join him on the way.
He and other walkers are seeking to reverse the downward Yes vote trend in the polls, and raise support and awareness of the Voice.
Liberal frontbencher Jane Hume, who backs the No campaign, says it is important voters understand what is being presented to them.
"Can I tell you there are lots of people like me in my party whose heart says we could get here. But unfortunately the question that's been put before us, my head and my gut says we can't support this. If you can't understand it, if you don't know how it's going to work, how can you support it?''
For others like Labour MP Bill Shorten, the Indigenous Voice offers a straightforward new way to enable positive change.
"A Yes vote is a simple recognition that having tried everything - and it hasn't been successful. This referendum is a genuine, generous new idea to simply get it right."
The WA Nationals say it has now decided to withdraw support for the Voice. The party's leader is Shane Love.
"There was a respectful decision , but certainly not a unanimous view. A question was whether or not Labor's referendum proposal, and the trust in Labor to be able deliver any meaningful change through it."
It's this meaningful change Mr Long is yearning for as he embarks on his journey.
He says it's time for politicians to set aside their differences, and work together for a better and stronger future.
"This is an invitation, which is presented on behalf of indigenous people across Australia to the government. It's time Australia for Aboriginal people to be acknowledged in the Australian Constitution. This is a referendum not an election."
The date for the referendum will be announced on 30 August, with the date expected to be October 14.
