The campaign to ensure Australian organisations understand the implications of the Voice saw two high profile Yes campaigners map out the reasons to vote Yes this week.
Referendum Working Group member and chairman of Uphold and Recognise, Sean Gordon, and Principal Policy Advisor, PM Glynn Institute and founder, Uphold and Recognise, Damian Freeman, took to the stage of the Governance Institute of Australia conference held in Sydney this week.
The pair set out to explain how constitutional recognition would empower Indigenous people through a representative body, which would guide parliamentary members when making laws especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The conference was attended by hundreds of high ranking company secretary's working in well-known Australian companies.
The opportunity to speak at the conference will put the Voice referendum clearly on the agenda for companies as the nation heads towards the polls on October 14.
Freeman explained the Voice has been developed by people who are concerned that we need to find a way of balancing the Constitution with the needs of Indigenous Australians, by creating an obligation of the Parliament to hear the voices of the Indigenous people before exercising its democratic power.
"We as a nation need this change made to the constitution to make sure that our First Nations people are part of the conversations that matter," he said.
Mr Gordon also spoke about the referendum and what it will mean, explaining that it will recognise Indigenous people's rightful place in the constitution to ensure that Indigenous Australians aren't forgotten about.
This change to the constitution means First Nations people will be spoken about in laws, practices and processes that impact Indigenous Australians, which will have a significant impact on their lives.
Mr Gordon, who has been consulting to the Commonwealth Bank for a decade, revealed that he's not a supporter of the annual Close the Gap report because he feels that it doesn't adequately address Indigenous disparity.
Instead, Australia needs constitutional change to make sure that First Nations people have a say on matters that impact them, he said.
At one stage, Mr Gordon broke down on stage, reflecting on his journey and work over the last decade to see non-Aboriginal people stand up on this matter.
"I do this because I believe it will change the future for our kids and give them a better opportunity to move forward. It means everything to me," he said.
The session was met with a range of thought-provoking questions on what is an important consideration for organisations working to be a better corporate citizen.
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