In expressing its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2019, FRRR accepted a generous invitation agreed to by over 250 delegates following more than a decade of grassroots national engagement and consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to walk alongside them in their quest for Constitutional recognition, and a process of truth-telling, Treaty, and healing.

As a Foundation with a purpose of strengthening the vitality and resilience of remote, rural, and regional Australia, we have committed to increasing and deepening our work with and our support of First Nations’ communities, and to building our own cultural intelligence and capacity. Support for Constitutional recognition of First Nations peoples is one of those commitments.

In late 2023, the Australian voting-age public will be asked to vote in a Referendum to enable Constitutional recognition of Australia’s first nations.

Our support of the Voice to Parliament is consistent with:

Our Vision:

• A vibrant, resilient and revitalised remote, rural and regional Australia; and

Our Values:

• We Find Ways Forward
• Finding Common Ground
• Real World Problem Solving
• Lived Experience Matters

The Referendum question will be: “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

FRRR encourages robust discussion, inclusive community conversations, and sharing of accurate, authorised and transparent information, to foster ways of moving forward together on this important national decision.

Helpful information and resources:

• Australian Electoral Commission Referendum process information
• The Voice Referendum Official Government resources
• Reconciliation Australia
• National Indigenous Australians Agency
• Uluru Statement from the Heart training video