Everything You Need to Know About the Uluru Statement from the Heart

by Megan Davis, George Williams

We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

On 26 May 2017, after a historic process of consultation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart was read out. This clear and urgent call for reform to the community from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples asked for the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament protected in the constitution and a process of agreement-making and truth-telling. Voice. Treaty. Truth.

What was the journey to this point? What do Australians need to know about the Uluru Statement from the Heart? And how can these reforms be achieved?

Everything You Need to Know about the Uluru Statement from the Heart , written by Megan Davis and George Williams, two of Australia’s best-known constitutional experts, is essential reading on how our Constitution was drafted, what the 1967 referendum achieved, and the lead-up and response to the Uluru Statement. Importantly, it explains how the Uluru Statement offers change that will benefit the whole nation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Australia, History, Race, Indigenous

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Megan Davis is Professor of Constitutional Law at UNSW, a global Indigenous rights expert on the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and a former chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She was the first person to read out the Uluru Statement from the Heart, at Uluru in May 2017.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't usually rate books (ever, really), but this book was too good to not. it is vitally important that as many australians read this book, and educate themselves about the aus constitution and how white australia has a black history. please read this book.

[Reneer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Australian should read this and speak to their children about white Australia’s black past. The truth at times can be horrifying, but through acknowledgement this country will reach reconciliation.

[Lanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish everyone in Australia was able to read this book. A comprehensive yet understandable history of what has led us to the Voice.

[Carol Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every Australian....

[Shelley Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this well-written, straightforward book, Megan Davis and George Williams explain how the Australian Constitution was created in a way that is easy to understand, even though some of the facts are shocking and horrifying. They also outline the multitude of injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples because of what is in the constitution and, more importantly, what is not.

This book is essential reading for all Australians and it should be taught in schools. More Australians need to understand the outright, blatant theft of land that occurred over 200 years ago and how supporting the reforms called for in the Uluru Statement from the Heart will create a better Australia for everyone.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pausing thematically here for a minutes silence out of respect for first nations people and what they have achieved in delivering the Uluru Statement From The Heart, I would highly recommend this book, which I read in response to the following timely reminder during National Reconciliation Week last year:

If you're not sure how to respond, Listen.
If you're not sure what to read, Research.
If you're not sure what to do, Donate.
"Not Sure". becomes "Not My Problem".
It's not enough to be "Not Sure" when Racism Is Still Taking Lives.
And this bloody applies to Australia.
Itlrubyph

Enough said.

[Sarah J]

Dr Megan Davis provides a thorough history of the events and people that eventually culminate in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The statement itself is a heart-rending appeal to the greater good that can come from Australians fully embracing and appreciating the traditional and cultural ideals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the true first peoples of Australia. The potential is there, and anyone who takes time to read this book will understand why Australia needs to work really hard at its own historical and moral reckoning. Australia always was and always will be Aboriginal Land.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read to better inform my t-shirt activism. Comprehensive in detailing the process and history which informed the Constitutional Convention's delivery of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the sequencing of the Voice, Treaty and Truth. I found the detailing sections 25 and 51 of the constitution and the likening of the development of the Voice to the High Court to be illuminating.

I would happily recommend to anyone looking for more information prior to casting their referendum vote.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clear and concise history of Indigenous Australians battle for recognition and rights since European 'settlement' is a book that every Australian should read. I really liked the simple explanation of the Constitution and the issues that need to be addressed. I didn't like the section on the Expert Panel which is the only part that drifts into legalese and complex arguments. I was impressed with the persistence of the Aboriginal people having gone through so many processes and consultations over the past 100 years, all of which ended up going nowhere. One hopes that the upcoming referendum will yield a more satisfactory result.

[Kate Ton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book more highly, in the lead up to referendum on The Voice. It clearly outlined why Constitutional change is needed, the widespread consultation of Aboriginal people across the nation, and made it very clear WHY The Voice is so important to them, and the role it will play in the future of their culture and people in this country. Invaluable knowledge leading up to the referendum.

[Cill Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really informative and reader friendly summary. Teachers who want to get ahead of the curve to be prepared for truth telling, read this book. Others who want to join the fight to advocate for long overdue change, read this book. Know our history and the importance of what our first nation peoples have put to the nation.

[Jermaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to let you have a clear understanding of First People history in Australia, as well as the conflicts between the First People and the white people. It also helps us to understand what the First Peoples are fighting for, what the difficulties they are facing. We need to acknowledge and respect the First People.

[Maej · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly informative book that kept me company on my visit to Uluru. This book explains a lot about Australia’s struggle with Indigenous sovereignty. A must read for all living in Australia - lands that were never ceded…

[Kelsey Attwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing and informative book. I needed a better understanding, loved the front cover and feel more excited to vote in the referendum.

So proud to say my copy is signed by the amazing Professor Megan Davis

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for starting to understand the why behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Explores why it came about, some of the history of these lands now called Australia, and what it is that the Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read that provides a comprehensive and informative outline of important matters that are before us to understand individually and act on as a nation.

[Vikki]

I found the history and background really helpful.

[Olivia Killer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Australian needs to read this before the referendum.

[Brionee Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all, so read it!