Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak to the admirable works of nine religious leaders who have openly endorsed the Voice to Parliament and the 'yes' campaign. This referendum campaign will need the voices of civic society and of the faith groups that form the backbone of so much of our social fabric and social services. They note in an open letter to federal parliamentarians that the Voice is 'necessary, right and reasonable' and that 'future generations will not forgive us if we fail to grasp the historical moment'—and the generous offer from our First Nations brothers and sisters.

The civil society support for the Voice is wide and deep. The National Australia Bank, the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, BHP, Rio Tinto, Wesfarmers, Woolworths and Coles have all endorsed the Voice to Parliament. The trade union movement stands foursquare with its Indigenous members in supporting the 'yes' campaign for the referendum.

I note and thank members of the Anglican Church, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the Australian National Imams Council, the Australian Sangha Association, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the Hindu Council of Australia, the National Council of Churches, the National Sikh Council and the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly for the proud civic leadership and moral authority that they bring to this vital campaign. I look forward to further work with these wide-ranging religious communities as we walk hand in hand with the First Nations community towards a successful 'yes' vote in this year's referendum.