AFL, NRL, Rugby Australia, Netball Australia, Football Australia, Cricket Australia and Tennis Australia back change
By coming together as a group of seven, the Codes hope to maximize their impact and help build momentum for a successful yes vote.
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Resolve Political Monitor’s latest poll showed support for the vote has dwindled, with 58 percent of voters in favor and 42 percent against the precise wording of the proposed constitutional amendment. This compares to 60 percent support in December and January and 64 percent last August and September.
Resolve pollster Jim Reed said signing the top seven sports codes could be a huge benefit because it “would reach a lot of people, it’s credible and [the players] are heroes to the people”.
Reed said the NRL’s support could make a difference in Queensland, which was “the least positive about the vote, according to our last poll”.
He added there was a risk that “elites” involved in the campaign could turn off ordinary voters, but “I think overall it would probably work.”
Privately, key AFL figures admit The Voice’s support is all but certain, but stressed they must first get the approval of Indigenous players and clubs.
A spokesman said once that process is complete, the AFL’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will make a recommendation to the AFL Commission.
A senior NRL source, who asked not to be named so they can speak freely, said signing key sports codes could be crucial in getting the yes vote across the line.
“It’s about making maximum impact and working together. It would make sense to start after the bill is passed, but they don’t have a date yet,” they said.
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“The NRL has made massive progress on this, but I think it’s more problematic for the AFL.”
The AFL has seen a number of damaging scandals, including the Collingwood scandal Do it better Report and the Hawthorn Inquiry into the alleged abuse of First Nations players and their families.
Football Australia announced its principle support for The Voice in September.
Chairman James Johnson said at the time: “By supporting the Uluru Declaration, we invoke the voice of the Australian football community and the rich carpet of all its people as we live up to our ongoing promise of diversity, equity and inclusion. ”
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A Rugby Australia spokesman said the organization supports the Voice but is still working with stakeholders to develop a public stance.
Tennis Australia announced its support for The Voice during the Australian Open in January, saying it “wants to work closely with members, players and Indigenous Elders in the communities where we play to help realize the aspirations of the Uluru Statement of the Heart.” to contribute”.
The National Basketball League officially announced its support for The Voice in November last year. Comment has been solicited from Netball Australia.
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