Anthony Albanese admits there is rocky ground ahead for the referendum on an Indigenous voice, but says the destination will be worth the journey.
The prime minister will be at the start line as former Liberal MP Pat Farmer sets off on an epic run across Australia in support of the ‘yes’ campaign for the voice.
As an ultramarathon runner, Mr Farmer has spent decades racing around the world to support humanitarian causes.
But his latest feat will be to run more than 14,000 kilometres – starting in Hobart and ending at Uluru – to raise awareness, support and engagement for the voice across Australia.
In a speech before Mr Farmer sets off, Mr Albanese will say Australians have responded to the invitation put forward by the voice with fairness and decency.
“Pat, you have a long journey ahead of you and friends, we are all on a great journey together,” Mr Albanese will say.
“For all of us, there will be days when the ground is rocky and the going is tough. There will be days when it’s all we can do to put one foot in front of the other.
“But when we cross the finish line, the destination will be worth it.”
A referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution will take place between October and December.
Mr Farmer is using Australia’s love of sport to bring the country together in support of a ‘yes’ vote.
Over the next six months, he will run up to 80 kilometres a day as part of his Run for the Voice campaign.
The prime minister promises a successful referendum will allow Australians to recognise the “unique privilege” of sharing the nation with the world’s oldest living culture in the constitution.
“An Australia more united, more reconciled and with greater fairness and opportunity for all,” he will say.
