On the 26 May 2020 the Australian Bar Association marks the third anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Three years ago today, First Nations delegates to the 2017 National Constitutional Convention at Uluru in the Northern Territory concluded four days of discussion by issuing a historic statement to the people of Australia.
The Uluru statement calls for a Voice for First Nations peoples to be enshrined in the Constitution, for a Makarrata Commission to supervise the making of agreements or treaties, and for truth telling about the history of First Nations.
Two years ago, the ABA, representing independent Bars from across Australia, expressed its support for the Uluru Statement call for a Voice in the Constitution. In doing so it joined with many other national bodies across Australian society in expressing their support for the Voice.
Today it reiterates that support for achieving this important change to the Constitution for all Australians.
This day is particularly important because 26 May 2020 is also both National Sorry Day and comes at the start of Reconciliation Week. It is a day on which we reflect on our history, on the devastating effects of past policy on First Nations and the need to redouble our efforts to address important structural reforms such as the inclusion of a Voice in the Constitution.
