Thomas Mayor speaks at CSU about Uluru Statement from the Heart

Uluru Statement advocate Thomas Mayor believes a people’s movement is needed.

Port Macquarie was Mr Mayor’s latest destination as he raises awareness about the Uluru Statement and its significance.

“We have not given up hope on the Uluru Statement,” he said.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart came from a historic and unprecedented gathering at Uluru of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from around the country.

The gathering was the culmination of 13 regional dialogues.

“Firstly, symbolic recognition was rejected because symbolism does little for our people,” Mr Mayor said.

“What it calls for is substantive constitutional reform through enshrining a voice to parliament that’s representative of First Nations,” he said.

The Uluru Statement also called for a Makarrata Commission which would undertake truth-telling to the nation and supervise agreement-making or treaties between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Makarrata means the coming together after a struggle.

The push for reform continues.

A poll showed the level of support for a constitutionally enshrined voice.

Mr Mayor said with the right leadership in parliament, with bipartisan support that went beyond ideologies and looked at what was best for Indigenous people, and with resources and planning, he thought we could have a successful referendum.

Mr Mayor raised awareness about the Uluru Statement during a talk at Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Campus on March 26.

Uluru Statement supporter and CSU lecturer in social work and human services Lava Kohaupt said it was a really positive event.

“I think it really motivated people to keep going with this and push this issue forward,” she said.

People also had the opportunity to see the original Statement.