PM arrives in Uluru as Dutton criticised for Yunupingu comments

In a final plea from the heart of the nation, Anthony Albanese has urged voters to consider the proposal and support the Voice as a line-up of Australian heroes back the referendum.

In a final plea from the heart of the nation Anthony Albanese has urged voters to consider the proposal and support the Voice as a line-up of Australian heroes back the referendum.

The Prime Minister is in Uluru where he will welcome former politician and ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer at the finish line of an epic six-month run around the nation in support of the Voice.

“This is a once in a generation chance for us to recognise the First Australians in our nation’s Constitution, and to do so in a form in which we’ve been requested by them, when they gathered here (at Uluru) in 2017,” he said.

Just three days out from the vote, Australians of the Year past and present have lined up to back the Voice, while Peter Dutton is accused of using an Indigenous Australian’s name “in vain” to undermine the Yes case.

The Opposition leader said he would “respect” the outcome of Saturday’s vote, but urged Australians to vote No arguing the advisory body would fuel division and fail to achieve outcomes.

Anthony Albanese with Marion Scrymgour and Central Land Council CEO Les Turner. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

He pointed to the Indigenous community in East Arnhem land under the leadership of the late Yunupingu as an example of what could be achieved without a Voice.

“They’ve got a 90 per cent attendance rate at school, they’ve got a logging company, they’ve got a building company, they’ve got housing, they’ve got a functioning society, and in that instance it’s because of the leadership demonstrated by Yunupingu and others around him over the course of a long period, and that’s what we want to see replicated elsewhere,” he said.

But these comments were slammed by Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney, who pointed out Yunupingu was a lifelong advocate for his people and supporter of the Voice.

“Quite frankly Peter Dutton should apologise for taking the name Yunupingu in vain, the idea that there isn’t disadvantage in Arnhem Land is patently ridiculous,” she said.

Olympic champion Dr Shane Gould backs the Voice Picture: Chris Crerar

Tennis star and disability advocate Dylan Alcott also supports the Voice. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Former Australians of the Year including tennis star Dylan Alcott, Olympic champion Shane Gould, family violence advocate Rosie Batty, footballer Adam Goodes, survivor advocate Grace Tame, as well as current 2023 honoree Taryn Brumfitt have signed an open letter supporting the Voice to parliament.

“The effective exclusion of Indigenous voices from decision-making has been at best useless and costly and, at worst, damaging, blocking any meaningful progress,” the group said.

“There is overwhelming evidence that, when given a voice, services are effective and lead to improvements in outcomes.”