At its core, the Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for constitutional change and structural reform. It seeks the establishment of a Voice to Parliament, a permanent and protected body that allows First Nations people to have a genuine say in matters that affect them and their communities. This Voice to Parliament is crucial in ensuring that decisions made at the national level take into account the perspectives and needs of First Nations people.
"The Uluru Statement from the Heart was born from a series of regional dialogues held across the country, culminating in a National Constitutional Convention at Uluru in 2017. The purpose of these 12 Dialogues and 1 regional meeting was to consult and educate, resulting in the most proportionally significant consultation process of First Nations peoples Australia has ever seen.
- The Uluru Dialogue
Additionally, the Uluru Statement calls for the creation of a Makarrata Commission, which would be responsible for engaging in Treaty-making and Truth-telling. Treaty-making involves formal agreements between governments and First Nations people, recognising their rights, responsibilities, and relationships. Truth-telling involves acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices and ongoing impacts of colonisation on First Nations peoples.
As we move closer to the federal referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, the next few months are a crucial time for meaningful conversations, and to reflect on the broader movements towards First Nations justice.
By advocating for these reforms, the Uluru Statement from the Heart aims to amplify First Nations leadership and promote self-determination, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians.
Learn more about the Uluru Statement from the Heart:
- Read the Uluru Statement from the Heart
- Watch Megan Davis explain the Uluru Statement from the Heart
- Listen to Dean Parkin speak to the importance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
How you can support
Learn more about the upcoming referendum with useful resources and tools.
