More than 20 sporting codes pen open letter pledging support for Voice to parliament

As both the AFL and NRL conduct their Indigenous rounds, sporting codes have made a bold statement.

In the ultimate coming together, a collective of the biggest sporting bodies in Australia has pledged unwavering support for the Indigenous Voice to parliament in an open letter, declaring sport “plays a significant role in reconciling Australia”.

The unprecedented move came after major sporting codes, and their clubs, gave complete support for a yes vote at this year’s referendum and urged “sports fans of Australia” to unite in a similar fashion.

Governing bodies of the AFL, NRL, Cricket Australia, Football Australia, Rugby Australia, Golf Australia and the NBL were among the signatories to the letter that rugby league legend Mal Meninga said was about “taking action” and should have been done “100 years ago”.

“I feel privileged,” he said in Sydney.

“I think it’s a celebration and it’s a significant issue in Australian history.

Jade North, Mal Meninga and Jamie Pittman supporting the Voice. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I can’t see anything wrong with it — listening to the voice of the First Nations people. Learning from them and learning from their past and taking action with them.

“This is not a case of doing this for them or on behalf of them. It’s about taking action with them and I think that’s generally how we operate in sport. You bring your team along with you. You act collectively to achieve success. I can see great benefit in it.

“If you know your history, this should have been done 100 years ago.”

The letter was pointed in urging sports fans and participants to unite for the greater good.

“Sport has always served as a unifying force for our diverse Australian society,” the letter states.

“Regardless of where we come from or what we believe in, sport brings people together in the spirit of achievement, community and celebration.

“Moreover, sport plays a significant role in reconciling Australia.

“It has long been a means for the inclusion and celebration of the incredible achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“This year, all Australians will have their say in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

More than 20 sporting bodies have come together to support the yes campaign for the Voice to parliament. Picture: Christian Anstey

“We, as a collective, support recognition through a Voice.

“We believe our nation can achieve this profound recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of our country in our Constitution.”

“We encourage all Australians who love sport to listen with an open heart and an open mind through this historic moment.

“We respect that everyone is entitled to reach their own decision come the referendum.

“Together we share a vision for the future as a nation that values equity, fairness and the rights of the traditional custodians of our land.

“The land on which we play, love and celebrate sport in Australia.”