Leading Yes campaigners are visiting some of Sydney’s most diverse communities in the growing push for a Yes vote in next month’s referendum.
Former NSW Liberal Premier and High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell, and leading Yes campaigner, Noel Pearson, are meeting locals around Harris Park in western Sydney, home to one of Australia’s largest Indian communities.
After returning from India this year, Barry O’Farrell has said it is important that multicultural communities have the information they need to make an informed decision about the upcoming referendum.
“The more time I spend talking to people who’ve made Australia their home, the more they understand why this referendum is about better listening and better results, and why a yes vote makes so much sense.”
“Lots of these people are from close-knit communities themselves so they get it when you explain this referendum is about recognising Indigenous Australians through a voice so they can give practical advice to government on policies and programs that affect their communities.”
Yes campaigner Noel Pearson said support for a Yes vote came from a huge range of groups from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and they were a crucial part of the Yes campaign
“Many people I meet from multicultural backgrounds know first-hand about being marginalised and when I tell them about our past, they realise what a crucial moment in history this is for Indigenous Australians.
“The Yes campaign has the support of over 180 multicultural and faith-based community organisations and these groups are playing a crucial role in engaging their communities to equip them with the information they need come referendum day.
“A Voice to Parliament will help drive practical change on the ground to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, and we are committed to listening respectfully and answering the questions from communities across Australia right up until 14 October.”
Melissa Monteiro, CEO of Community Migrant Resource Centre says: “The Community Migrant Resource Centre stands proudly alongside a growing number of organisations showing their support for the Yes campaign. Securing a constitutionally-enshrined Voice to Parliament is the pivotal first step in addressing the injustices of the past and giving First Nations peoples a long overdue voice on issues that affect their lives. We are committed to informing our community in Parramatta to ensure they understand the importance of this vote and how it will deliver practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians.”
About Yes 23
Yes 23 brings together grassroots organisations all campaigning for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a voice to parliament.
Contact YES 23 Media:
Email: media@yes23.com.au
Website: https://yes23.com.au