Australian sporting codes unite in support of the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum

Australia’s biggest sporting codes have come together in an unprecedented show of solidarity to support the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum.

Australia’s major sports have united to support the Indigenous Voice to parliament in an unprecedented show of solidarity.

The NRL, AFL, Cricket Australia, Football Australia and Rugby Australia are among 21 sports that came together in Sydney and Melbourne events on Friday to support the “yes” campaign ahead of the national referendum later this year.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo in Sydney said the moment was akin to the end of Apartheid in his native South Africa.

“It’s an opportunity for us to recognise in the constitution an important part of our history,” Abdo said on Friday.

“It’s about reconciliation, I grew up and lived through a very interesting time in South Africa so I have my own perspective on how important reconciliation is. I understand how important it is to recognise our history in order for us to have a better future.”

In Melbourne, former AFL champion Eddie Betts, who is third on the all-time games list for Indigenous players, said it was important that the sporting codes came together.

“It means a lot because sport is a big platform to create change,” Betts said.

“All I want for my people is to have a voice in whatever organisation they’re in.”

Jason Gillespie, Cath Cox, Eddie Betts, Carmen Marton and Andrew Gaze are united in their support of the Voice.

Abdo also said: “It’s not often all the sports get together, and that’s a great metaphor for what this is, sports bring us together and it’s a great equaliser.

“We as a sport can play a role in informing people on how important reconciliation is, and how important it is on people to educate themselves on the Voice.”

No Limit Boxing promoter George Rose, an Indigenous former Manly and Melbourne Storm star, said: “If you’re opposed to the Voice, that’s your choice, but why are you opposed to the Voice? I asked myself the same question, because a lot of people aren’t trusting of the government.

“But if the purpose of the Voice is to allow Aboriginal people to make decisions for ourselves, to better ourselves, then why would you be opposed to that?”

Australian sporting codes bodies that joined the national event include netball, taekwondo, badminton, baseball, basketball, golf, motorsport, boxing, tennis, triathlon, touch football, wheelchair rugby league, as well as Deaf Sport Australia and Sport Inclusion Australia.

Former Socceroos defender Jade North was “pretty emotional” about the sports uniting.

Jamie Pittman, Jade North, Alyssa Healy, Taniela Tupou and Mal Meninga are united in their support of the Voice. Picture: Brett Costello

“I’m a proud Biripi man from Taree, NSW and I was one of the lucky ones to come through, playing sport with a single mother and times were tough, sport was the way I got through all the challenges I faced as an Indigenous man,” North said.

“Through racism at school, and when I played, to then get to today where we all unite and see 21 different codes coming together, it’s a special time.

“First Nations people just want to start from today moving forward, and walking together with everyone.

“We need the Voice to help implement policy for Indigenous people, in various areas of government. Whether it’s business, health or employment, it’s about closing the gap.”

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan added: “Our Indigenous players, if you look back to the Ella brothers and beyond, have made such a fantastic contribution to rugby and we want to support the cause of reconciliation.”

The first Indigenous male player to represent Australia in Test cricket, Jason Gillespie, said he was “big on anything that promotes inclusivity and positivity”.

“It just makes sense that Indigenous people should have a meaningful say in matters that will affect Indigenous people,” Gillespie said.

The national referendum will take place later this year. Picture: Brett Costello

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze, a five-time Olympian, said it was time for change.

“It’s a historic moment and we have an opportunity to do something really special and make a difference,” Gaze said.

“We all know there is a very important community out there that has gone through some challenges and it’s incumbent on all of us to do our best to make sure we try to start the process of writing some wrongs.”

Rugby league legend Mal Meninga said: “We should be listening to that voice, learning from that voice and taking action together.

“First Nations people deserve that respect. Nothing has worked so far, it’s close to Reconciliation Week and it’s a really defining moment in Australian history, how all Australians vote at the end of the year.

“For me it’s a ‘yes’, because I want to see a better Australia.”

Originally published as Australian sporting codes unite in support of the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum