Cathy Freeman: ‘I’m voting yes, and I’m asking that all Australians do too’

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman is urging her fellow Australians to give young Indigenous children an “equal” chance at “the very best start in life” by backing the Voice referendum in a rare foray into politics for the sporting icon.

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman is urging her fellow Australians to give young Indigenous children an “equal” chance at “the very best start in life” by backing the Voice referendum in a rare foray into politics for the sporting icon.

In a message recorded for the Yes23 campaign, Freeman said she could not remember a time when “change has felt so urgent” and “momentum has been so strong” than in this push for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

“From small towns to big cities, something is in the air,” she said.

“I know all Australians feel it too.”

Freeman has long been quietly counted as a supporter of the Voice, but this is her first public endorsement of the referendum.

“I’m voting yes, and I am asking that all Australians do too,” she said.

Cathy Freeman has spoken out in support of the Voice to parliament referendum. Picture: David Caird

It can be exclusively revealed Freeman’s words will be promoted on the Yes campaign’s social media channels in weeks leading up to the October 14 referendum.

Freeman said Australians had a chance to be a part of a movement that “brings people together” and to “work hard for something that we can all believe in”.

“Right now, each of us can be part of something that really matters,” she said.

“To stand together and to show our support for Australians who need it the most.

Cathy Freeman stopped the nation during her Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medal run. Picture: Nick Wilson /Allsport

“To recognise Indigenous peoples in our constitution for the very first time, to give our kids the very best start in life, an equal start in life.

“And to open our hearts and change our future.”

Dubbed “our Cathy” in the lead up to her historic gold medal win in the 400m running race at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, yes campaigners hope the backing of such a beloved and respected Indigenous icon will persuaded the millions of voters still undecided on the referendum.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Freeman was a “great Australian” who has always brought the community closer together.

Cathy Freeman says the Voice will ensure young Indigenous children get an ‘equal’ chance at the best start in life. Picture: Andrew Leeson/AFP

“When Cathy won gold … we were uplifted as a nation,” he said.

“Cathy showed us there is nothing to fear in recognising and embracing our history.

“Cathy helped make that possible and voting yes does too.”

Mr Albanese urged Australians to “walk with” Freeman.

“Whether it’s on the running track or her work in Indigenous education, Cathy has shown us the way towards a brighter, more reconciled future,” he said.

Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin said the Voice meant listening to Indigenous Australians, and Freeman’s message was “loud and clear”.

“Cathy knows what it takes to bring the country together and its fantastic to have her alongside us in support of yes,” he said.

“Let’s stand with Cathy, let’s stand with Indigenous Australians, let’s stand together and vote yes.”