Thomas Mayo, a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, has been one of the most prominent public advocates for the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Since becoming a signatory for the Uluru Statement of the Heart, Mayo has travelled the country continually listening to and speaking with people about the potential benefits of the Voice.
He is the author of several books on the matter, including bestseller The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the details you need (2023).
Aboriginal Way spoke with Mr Mayo following his time spent campaigning on Kaurna land in the lead-up to the referendum.
“There were leaked text messaged from coalition politicians saying that this was their opportunity, if they were to get an overwhelming no vote, to get to the starting line for the next election,” Mr Mayo said.
“Now I think that’s disgraceful, I think it’s shameful.
“Especially where there’s been bipartisan support for so long, and now that we’re at this point where Australians are going to make decisions they’ve decided to make it political gamesmanship – an opportunity to take some bark off one side of politics.”
Full interview available via Spotify link above.
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