The NRL has become the first Australian football code to endorse an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Having long backed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, rugby league’s governing body formalised its support for the ‘Yes’ campaign on Tuesday.
A referendum on the constitutional amendment will be held later this year after the season concludes, with the NRL joining the Australian Olympic Committee and Tennis Australia as major sporting bodies backing the formal enshrinement of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body in the constitution.
“As a proud supporter of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, since 2017, the NRL is committed to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice,” the NRL said in a statement.
“First Nations communities have deep bonds with rugby league and are part of our fabric at all levels, from grassroots participants and fans to the Indigenous stars who light up the NRL and NRLW.
“The NRL has had its own independent voice since the commencement of the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Johnathan Thurston leads the Indigenous side in a war dance before the 2015 All Stars Game.Credit: Getty
The Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ARLIC) plays an integral role in making representations to the ARLC with ideas and views on behalf of Indigenous peoples across the game.
“True change comes through listening, learning and taking action – and we encourage everyone in the rugby league community to get informed by the facts, and use their voice, so that we can move forward together.”
