Football Australia announces support for Uluru Statement and Voice to Parliament

Emma Ruben Published May 24, 2023 at 4.00pm (AWST)

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Indigenous Matilda Kyah Simon after a match against USA. (Image: CommBank Matildas Twitter)

Football Australia has affirmed its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the Voice to Parliament.

On Wednesday the peak body released a statement declaring their stance and noting football was a unifying sport.

"Football is a global unifier and brings together people from all walks of life. The ability to learn, to share, to heal and to create change is what makes it 'the beautiful game'," it said.

"Football Australia's vision, as defined in the XI Principles for the future of Australian Football, is to be recognised as a leader in Indigenous sporting programs and a conduit to the reconciliation process with First Nations peoples.

"By re-affirming our commitment made on 13 September 2022, we acknowledge the Uluru Statement from the Heart as a historical directive to develop a more comprehensive articulation of Australia's nationhood and we stand side by side in an Australian-wide movement for a better future.

"Through the guidance of our National Indigenous Advisory Group, we continue to proudly support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution through a Voice to Parliament to give First Nations people a voice and a guaranteed say in the policies and laws that directly impact them."

Football Australia had previously come out in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full in September 2022.

Football Australia National Indigenous Advisory Group member, Gurindji, Jingili and Yawuru woman Selina Holtze, said they are proud to support the Ulutu Statement and its implementation.

"The Uluru Statement is amongst a number of urgent calls for systemic change driven by our people," she said.

"We are committed to continuing to support football in identifying its role in promoting the advancement of civil rights movements with and for First Nations people."

Football Australia also welcomes recent announcements by the other Australian Sporting codes in joining its commitment to supporting the Uluru Statement From the Heart and the Voice to Parliament.