Cathy Freeman has thrown her support behind the Voice to Parliament, offering one of the most high-profile Indigenous endorsements of the Yes campaign.
The campaign released a one-minute video of Freeman on Tuesday, where she urged other Australians to “show their support for those who need it the most”.
“I can’t remember a time when change has felt so urgent,” Freeman said. “When momentum has been so strong. From small towns to big cities, something is in the air. I know all Australians feel it too.”
“We have the chance to be part of a moment that brings people together, to work hard for something that we can all believe in. And right now, each of us can be part of something that really matters. To stand together and to show our support for Australians who need it the most.
“To recognise Indigenous peoples in our constitution for the very first time, to give our kids the very best start in life, an equal start in life. And to open our hearts and change our future.”
“I’m voting yes, and I am asking that all Australians do too. So please stand with me and write Yes on October 14.”
Freeman’s endorsement of the Voice follows a weekend of ‘Yes’ marches across the country that saw up to 200,000 Australians take to the streets in support of the Voice.
Freeman is one of Australia’s most loved and respected sporting heroes, known best for winning gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 400 metre race. Footage of her at the Olympics was featured in an advertisement from the ‘Yes’ campaign that was soundtracked by John Farnham’s song, You’re the Voice.
A number of high-profile athletes have offered their support to the ‘Yes’ campaign, including former rugby league players Johnathan Thurston and Mal Meninga, former netballer Cath Cox and the AFL’s Nathan Buckley.