The Uluru Statement has released its first advertisement encouraging Australians to talk about an Indigenous Voice to Parliament with their friends, family and colleagues ahead of a referendum.
The new ad is part of an education campaign called “History is Calling” and urges ordinary Australians to start conversations about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and vote “yes” for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
The ad features proud Pitjantjatjara and Nyungar man Trevor Jamieson telling children a story about how a Voice to Parliament was achieved with the support of Australians.
“The whole nation did something about it. People called their friends and families, people talked about it on the streets, talked about it at work, on the field. Everybody made a song and dance about it,” Jamieson says in the ad.
When the children ask if his story is true, he replies: “It could be.”
Cobble Cobble woman and Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair Professor Megan Davis said the ad was designed to show Australians from all walks of life that they “have an opportunity to play a part in shaping this pivotal moment”.
“It’s vital in these next few months that we continue this momentum and educate Australians on what the Voice is, why it matters and what it will do for the future,” she said in a statement.
“We know this will take time, as many Australians are only joining us on this long journey now, but we are closer than ever to real, tangible change.”
“We hope this ad will encourage Australians to learn more and support a First Nations Voice to Parliament.”
Alyawarre woman and Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair Pat Anderson AO said the ad was a call to action for Australians to talk about Voice with their family, friends and colleagues.
“We are on a journey to nation-building, but we cannot do this alone. This referendum requires all Australians to get behind it,” Anderson said.
“Silence never made history and History is Calling. It’s up to all Australians to answer. We call upon the nation to continue walking with us on this final stretch to a better future.”
The ad was directed by Kamilaroi man Jordan Watton, with cinematographer Arrernte and Kalkadoon man Tyson Perkins, and Yuwaalaraay man James Henry as music composer.
The ad comes as new polling conducted by Resolve Strategic for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age shows a clear majority (64 per cent) of Australians back Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s draft wording on the proposal for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.