An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is now closer than ever before, following the passage of the Constitutional Alteration Bill in the Senate.
And after months of debate in Parliament, it's finally time for this movement to get out of Canberra and out to the Australian people.
Although there is a long journey ahead of campaigners to support a 'Yes' vote, it's important to pause, recognise and celebrate just how far we have come.
I was especially mindful of this in the lead up to National NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people, regardless of what position you may have on the Voice.
The theme for NAIDOC Week this year was 'For Our Elders' which recognises the important role our Elders have played across many generations.
They are our trailblazers, carers, community leaders, teachers, and our loved ones. They give us a great source of comfort and also pull us into line when needed.
Through generations of advocacy, Elders guide us through challenges today and we have them to thank for how far we have come in the journey for equality and a better life, particularly for our young people.
This couldn't be more true for the Voice referendum and the incredible amount of work put into the Uluru Statement from the Heart from Elders, including those who are no longer with us today.
Earlier this year, Australia lost a key Elder and a formidable leader with the passing of Yunupingu, a Yolngu man of the Gumatj clan.
As I prepare to travel around Australia and hear from First Nations communities on the issues that affect them, I reflect on the invaluable contribution of Yunupingu in advancing First Nations rights. He worked with more than ten Australian Prime Ministers on the struggle for Indigenous recognition, and also lived through many of the disappointments.
Yunupingu was a key member of the Voice Referendum Working Group and in his final months reminded us "the future is our responsibility", and that we all have a responsibility to show leadership on reconciliation, recognition, and the referendum.
This referendum is about making sure voices, including in remote and regional communities, are heard loud and clear.
Making a practical difference on the ground in areas like health, education, jobs and housing is what the Voice will help deliver.
The Yothu Yindi Foundation reflected on the trail blazed by Yunupingu following his passing. They reminded us just how far Yunupingu has taken us in the long journey for recognition as well as the work that lies ahead to fulfil this commitment: "Many promises were made, none were delivered in full. As a sovereign man of his clan nation he was left disappointed by them all. In 2022 he responded to Prime Minister Albanese's commitment to the Voice asking whether his commitment was "serious". He was told it was. This promise has been kept."
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from the Northern Territory, Federal Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health.
