We’re hosting a free talk as part of our campaign to flag the importance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution.
As it stands, Australia’s 122-year-old constitution doesn’t recognise the unique and important contributions of First Nations people, but the call is for this to change.
Among the CityTalk participants calling for change will be radio and television presenter Professor Stan Grant, the Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Noel Pearson, lawyer, land rights activist and founder of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, and co-authors of The Voice to Parliament Handbook, journalist Kerry O’Brien and Thomas Mayo, First Nations Referendum Working Group.
“This referendum provides all Australians with the opportunity to come together and recognise the history, and ongoing relationship of First Nations people with this land,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“I encourage everyone interested in real and practical change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to join us for the CityTalk.
“This is an opportunity to hear directly from leaders and experts about what the Voice to Parliament will mean for our nation’s future and to learn more about this rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.”
The CityTalk will be hosted by Stan Grant and feature keynotes from the Lord Mayor, Linda Burney, Noel Pearson and Thomas Mayo.
Taking part in a panel discussion will be Kerry O’Brien, Thomas Mayo, Anne Twomey AO, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Sydney, Dr Shireen Morris, director of the Radical Centre Reform Lab and senior lecturer at Macquarie University Law School, and Shane Phillips, CEO of the Tribal Warrior Association.
CityTalk – Why the Voice to Parliament is essential for all Australians is on Wednesday 19 July, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at Sydney Town Hall.
The event is free but tickets must be booked through Ticketmaster.
Read more about why we support a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution and how you can get involved.
Authorised by Clover Moore in Sydney on behalf of Sydney City Council.
Published 30 June 2023, updated 4 July 2023
