University students answer call for the Indigenous voice

University students will mount a countrywide campaign in favour of the Indigenous voice to parliament.

The Labor-affiliated National Union of Students has declared its ‘unequivocal’ support for the voice. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

University students will mount a countrywide campaign in favour of the Indigenous voice to parliament after thousands of young voters fronted Invasion Day rallies last week and were urged to strike down the referendum.

The Labor-affiliated National Union of Students has declared its “unequivocal” support for the voice, and will soon instigate on-campus and online campaigns across Australian universities, urging students to vote Yes.

“We discussed the Indigenous voice within our organisation and with students, and will be running a student-led campaign in favour of it,” president Bailey Riley said. “We will be working with different universities and member organisations.”

Ms Riley’s comments followed last week’s rallies, where hardline Indigenous activists condemned the voice referendum. The capital city protests were attended by thousands of students.

Those at the rallies told The Australian the protests had caused them to “rethink” the voice, but Ms Riley was adamant the union made the right decision in backing the vote.

“The conversation was led by our Indigenous members based on their support for the Uluru Statement and past workings with the Uluru Youth Dialogue,” she said. “We believe it’s the most representative decision-making body for Indigenous people for decades.”

The effort will come in the form of educational campaigns, potential rallies or strikes, and engaging with Indigenous community members to have them encourage campus members to vote Yes, Ms Riley said.

Uluru Young Dialogue co-chair Allira Davis said she was “energised” by the students’ commitment, which “shows we are moving in the right direction”. “University students and young Australians will play a critical role in the success of the referendum for a First Nations voice, and it’s heartening to hear of their student-led campaigns supporting the calls made in the Uluru Statement,” she said.

“This is the support we need. It represents the desire Australians have to walk together with First Peoples on the journey ­towards a better future.”

LaTrobe University Student Union general-secretary Ramy Aljalil said it was important for the union to campaign for the voice to “engage students” and educate those eligible to vote.

“We will make a case for why we believe a Yes vote will be supporting the cause of First Nations people,” he said. “Indigenous constitutional recognition through a voice to parliament is a powerful step towards a more equal Australia.”

Mr Aljalil acknowledged there was “some division” among Indigenous groups, but was adamant the union had consulted the appropriate parties.

“I have spoken to many who support the Yes vote,” he said. “We have Indigenous individuals active in the union and they support the voice to parliament.”

Queensland University of Technology Guild president Zoe Davidson said her council would be “heavily involved” in voice rallies.

“Indigenous voices get left out when it comes to their education, and they should have a voice when it comes to all aspects of Australian culture,” she said.