Thirty-eight mayors from across Australia have issued a joint statement in support of the upcoming referendum for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.

The mayors, representing seven states and territories, have also committed to civic education of their communities about the importance of the referendum.

In a public statement issued on Monday the mayors say they endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and support constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.

They say a successful referendum can be a unifying achievement for the nation and commit to helping build awareness about the referendum in their local communities.

We the undersigned endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and support constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament. 

As local leaders, we are committed to building awareness in our communities about the upcoming referendum. Our citizens should be informed about what constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament will mean for Indigenous people and Australian society as a whole. 

Local government must play an important role in holding civic forums, promoting dialogue, and providing a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard in the debate. 

We believe that a successful referendum can be a unifying achievement for Australia. 

We are ready to work with all levels of government to educate and inform our communities about why this referendum is such an important moment for our nation.

Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne says local government has a crucial role to play in getting the referendum across the line.

Inner West has already recruited 800 volunteers to help build community awareness about the referendum, he says.

“Mayors from across the continent, representing urban, regional and remote communities, have come together to say that public awareness about this historic referendum must be built from the grassroots up,” Cr Darcy said.

“We are all ready to help inform and educate our communities about the Uluru Statement and create conversations about the referendum in suburbs and towns throughout Australia.”

The proposed question is:

“Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also announced draft words for a constitutional amendment to be put to Australians at a referendum as follows:

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The PM has flagged that the referendum will be held in the next financial year between July 2023 and July 2024.

It comes after local government minister Kristy McBain told a meeting of Victorian mayors, councillors, CEOs, executives and senior officers in October that she hoped local government would play a role in moves to enshrine a voice for First Nation’s people in the constitution.