Former Liberal MP Pat Farmer begins ultramarathon to raise support for Voice

Callan Morse Published April 18, 2023 at 12.21pm (AWST)

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Pat Farmer alongside runners at his Run for the Voice campaign, which commenced in Hobart on Monday. Image: City of Hobart.

Former federal Liberal MP Pat Farmer has begun a more than 14,000km ultramarathon around Australia to raise awareness and support for the Indigenous Voice to parliament's 'yes' campaign.

Kicking off in Hobart on Monday, Mr Farmer officially began his 'Run for the Voice' campaign which will see him run clockwise around the country to raise awareness, support and engagement for the Voice.

Planning to run up to 80 kilometres per day, it is expected to take Mr Farmer six months to complete the run of epic proportions, which will culminate at Uluru in October.

Before hitting the pavement, the former member for Macarthur stood alongside a raft of Voice supporters including Tasmanian Liberals Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Federal member for Bass Bridget Archer.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney were also in attendance for the commencement of Mr Farmer's run.

Mr Farmer said for young Australians it was obvious that First Nations people should be recognised through a national Voice.

Pat Farmer (centre), alongside Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Run for the Voice campaign launch. Image: Rob Blakers/AAP.

"It seems to me (for) every person under the age of 30, this is an absolute no-brainer," he said.

"And they can't understand why we're even having a referendum on the issue. It should just naturally be in place already but it's not."

Having previously completed the world's longest ultra-marathon between 2011 and 2012 which raised $100,000 for Red Cross International, Mr Farmer said his daughter suggested he run in support of the Voice.

"This is not a divisive exercise, this is the exercise of unity," Mr Farmer said.

"My footsteps are the thread that will weave together this magic tapestry to take us to the future."

The Run for the Voice campaign aims to raise $500,000, having already raised $27,000 since fundraising began last month.

Political figures from both sides of politics came together on the stairs of Hobart's Town Hall to support Mr Farmer. Image: Rob Blakers/AAP.

In supporting Mr Farmer, Prime Minister Albanese drew comparisons between the journey the 61-year-old had ahead of him and Australia's journey towards the Voice referendum.

"Pat, you have a long journey ahead of you and friends, we are all on a great journey together," Mr Albanese said.

"For all of us, there will be days when the ground is rocky and the going is tough. There will be days when it's all we can do to put one foot in front of the other.

"But when we cross the finish line, the destination will be worth it."

Mr Farmer's Run for the Voice will conclude in the lead up to the referendum which will decide whether an Indigenous Voice is enshrined in Australia's constitution, a vote which will occur between October and December.

After completing the Tasmanian leg of his ultramarathon run, Mr Farmer will fly to Perth before continuing his journey north along the Western Australian coast.