The AFL has thrown its support behind the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, joining other major sporting codes to do so.
In a statement released on Thursday on social media, the league acknowledged the “long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in our game” and said after discussions across the competition for the past year it was proud to support the Voice.
Indigenous AFL players Bobby Hill, Jarman Impey, Alwyn Davey jnr, Jesse Motlop, Maurice Rioli jnr, Brandan Parfitt and Brad Hill.Credit: Getty Images
The AFL has followed the lead of the NRL, Football Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee and Tennis Australia, while Rugby Australia also confirmed its support overnight.
RA ran a full-page newspaper advertisement telling supporters it’s time for a “level playing field” for First Nations people.
The AFL statement said: “The AFL is privileged to have a long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in our game, from the grassroots in every state and territory, through to the AFL and AFLW competitions.
“Over the past year we have had many discussions on the proposal to recognise a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in consultation with our clubs, our staff, our players, and the AFL’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players have long made a stellar contribution on the footy field.
“Their off-field contributions are equally valued for the impact they have made on our game and our community.
“While we encourage everyone to seek the information they need to form their own views on the referendum, the AFL proudly supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution through the Voice to Parliament.”
The AFL and its clubs are celebrating Indigenous culture across rounds 10 and 11 with the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
With AAP
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