The Voice referendum — Our defining moment
Keynote Address – Friday
Presented by Thomas Mayo, Signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Voice referendum will be a once in generations opportunity to recognise Indigenous people in a way that they have collectively invited Australians to do. The result will define who we are as Australians – a nation who chooses to continue passing on the burdens of our colonial past to our children, or one that has matured to celebrate over 60,000 years of continuous heritage and culture.
Thomas Mayo will speak with ACAL members about why the answer must be ‘Yes’ to change, and to do so, he will talk about the old lessons and the new that are contained in the powerful words of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Thomas Mayo
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man.
He is the National Indigenous Officer of the MUA.
Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017.
He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network, advises the Diversity Council of Australia and the From the Heart campaign, and is an executive member of the Northern Territory Trades and Labour Council.
Thomas is the author of four books, and has articles and essays published in The Guardian, Griffith Review and Sydney Morning Herald.