Sambell Oration to focus on the Uluru Statement and a First Nations Voice to Parliament

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is delighted Professor Megan Davis and Aunty Pat Anderson AO will headline the Sambell Oration tonight at the Science Gallery, University of Melbourne. They will outline how the Voice to Parliament will empower First Nations peoples and forge a more just Australia.

Aunty Pat and Professor Davis were instrumental in the creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017, including the call for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Australian Constitution. 

  Delivered annually since 1981, the Sambell Oration is a major BSL event focused on contemporary social justice issues, and this year provides an opportunity to prepare us all for a national referendum on the Voice to Parliament due in late 2023. 

“BSL has been a strong supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has accepted the generous offer to walk together towards a better future. We believe a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament is a critical part of this journey and will be actively promoting the Voice to Parliament amongst the wider community,” said BSL’s Executive Director, Travers McLeod. 

“We will be working with others across the community and business sectors to raise awareness of the benefits of a Voice to Parliament for all of us, and hopefully see a resounding YES from the Australian community at the referendum next year.”

The Oration will feature a panel discussion with Uncle John Baxter from BSL, along with Bridget Cama and Allira Davis (co-chairs of the Uluru Youth Dialogue).

The Sambell Oration will commence at 6.00pm and can be live streamed here  https://vimeo.com/event/2644262

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is a social justice organisation working to prevent and alleviate poverty across Australia.

Media inquiries: Bridie Riordan M: 0491 159 256 , Email: media@bsl.org.au