A meeting of the Uluru Statement's architects over the weekend has reaffirmed the group's vision for a Voice to Parliament, and called for a referendum on the matter to be held within the next parliamentary term.
After a weekend of discussions, the gathering of senior First Nations leadership from around the country, said to be the largest since the original Uluru convention in 2017, declared the Yarrabah Affirmation.
The document states their commitment to continue pursuing a constitutionally enshrined First Nations body in parliament, which would advise governments on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Professor Megan Davis, who co-chaired the gathering with Pat Anderson AO and Noel Pearson, said that, with the federal election having been called, the time was right for rebuilding the momentum behind the Voice.
"It's been five years, and... we're saying, we're ready, the work is done," she told NITV News.
"That's what the Yarrabah Affirmation is about... it's time for a referendum."
The group comprised Land Council representatives from around the country, as well as First Nations youth being mentored by the Uluru Dialogue.
Professor Megan Davis says the Uluru Dialogue have used the five years since the Statement was issued to prepare themselves for the coming referendum. Source: Supplied
To cap the weekend, the delegation paid a ceremonial visit to the Knowledge Tree on Gunggandji Country in Yarrabah.
It was there that Yarrabah man Alfred Neal and others helped strategise for the 1967 referendum calling for First Nations people to be counted amongst the nation's populace.
It was the most successful referendum in Australia’s history, a result the delegation is hoping will be repeated.
"Today we met with Pop Neal," said Professor Davis.
"We come out we listen to him... and the incredible work that him and this community did for 1967.
"And that's why we're here at Yarrabah, because we wanted the two campaigns to come together."
After what is said to have been a fruitful weekend that resulted in the Yarrabah Affirmation, the group is feeling confident about the chances of winning a referendum.
Nolan Hunter, Head of Engagement at Uluru Dialogue, said that following decades of advocacy, he believes a broad section of the population is behind them.
"This Voice is nothing new," he said.
Professor Davis and Nolan Hunter share a moment after the Affirmation's reading. Source: Supplied
"It is continuing that journey and the message from all of our people before us... talking about the very same thing over and over again.
"And there are lots more people across the whole of Australia, not just Indigenous people... supporting the Uluru Statement and a referendum and a Voice, an Indigenous Voice."
Two dates have been nominated as options for a referendum: May 27, 2023, or January 27, 2024. The former is an auspicious date, being the 56th anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum.
Anthony Albanese told SBS World News Sunday that he is committed to delivering a referendum in his first term of government, if elected prime minister.
Scott Morrison's government has earmarked millions in funding to set up 35 "local and regional" advisory bodies across Australia, and go to a referendum once consensus is reached.
