AFL ‘proudly’ declares its full support for an Indigenous voice to parliament

The AFL has formally declared its support for an Indigenous voice to parliament joining Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong, West Coast and Richmond football clubs in their support for the constitutional amendment ahead of the referendum.

The AFL has come out in support of the Indigenous Voice on ahead of the Dreamtime at the G clash at the MCG on Saturday Picture: Michael Klein

The AFL have backed in the Indigenous voice to parliament, following Rugby Australia and the National Rugby League’s ‘yes’ stance on the call for constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.

Rugby Australia released a statement on Thursday telling supporters it’s time for a “level playing field” for Indigenous Australians while the AFL said it supported a ‘yes’ vote for the referendum, which is due to be held later this year.

While former Prime Minister John Howard has said “sport and politics don’t mix” when asked about Australia’s major sporting codes supporting the voice – the AFL has pushed forward to “proudly” support constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.

“The AFL is privileged to have a long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in our game, from the grassroots in every state and territory, through to the AFL and AFLW competitions,” the league said in a statement.

“Over the past year we have had many discussions on the proposal to recognise a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in consultation with our clubs, our staff, our players, and the AFL’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players have long made a stellar contribution on the footy field. Their off-field contributions are equally valued for the impact they have made on our game and our community.”

The AFL said while it encouraged “everyone to seek the information they need to form their own views on the referendum, the AFL proudly supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament”.

A number of powerhouse AFL clubs have supported the ‘yes’ vote including Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong, West Coast and Richmond. The Magpies, Bombers, Cats, Eagles and Tigers have more than 50 premierships between them and have won five of the last six flags.

On Thursday, Rugby Australia released a lengthy statement saying the voice to parliament is “too important a contest to watch in silence”.

Football Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee, Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth Games Association are also supporting the voice to parliament.

Earlier this week there was tension at Super Rugby level on the issue.

ACT Brumbies chairman ­Matthew Nobbs, who says politics and sport don’t mix, on Tuesday apologised after failing to consult key stakeholders, including the rugby club’s playing group and its Indigenous advisory group, before commenting on the Indigenous voice to parliament.

Late on Tuesday, Nobbs released an apology statement after he publicly said the Brumbies board had taken the unanimous view that the club should not take a position on the voice and hoped Rugby Australia would do the same.

The Super Rugby club chair said he should not have made the comments without consulting the players and the club’s Indigenous cultural advisory group on the issue of constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.