Join us for the launch of The Voice to Parliament Handbook. Listen to the book's authors, Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and acclaimed journalist Kerry O'Brien, as they talk about the Voice to Parliament and how it might function.

The Voice to Parliament Handbook is a clear and simple guide for Australians who want to better understand what a Voice to Parliament actually means.

Copies of the book can be purchased on the night in the Byron Theatre foyer following the discussion, where Thomas Mayo and Kerry O'Brien will be available for book signings.

In Kerry’s words - ‘I have been reporting on Indigenous issues for more than half a century and, to me, the case for enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution is undeniable. I believe most Australians want to support the referendum for all the right reasons. I am appalled by the efforts of some to dishonestly muddy the waters to defeat the referendum without concern for the damage it will do. ‘This is such a simple proposition for the people of Australia to endorse, and let the Parliament decide how it will work. What a powerful and uplifting expression of our democracy. That is why Thomas and I have written an easy-to-follow handbook based on the facts and on reasoned argument to help dispel confusion around a vital moment in our history in which we all have a stake.’

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4.00 pm - Venue doors and bar open

4.40 pm - Theatre doors open

5.00 pm - Book Launch commences

6.30 pm - Event concludes

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Indigenous Officer of the MUA. Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017. He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network, advises the Diversity Council of Australia and the From the Heart campaign, and is an executive member of the Northern Territory Trades and Labour Council. Thomas has previously written five books published by Hardie Grant, and has articles and essays published in The Guardian, Griffith Review and Sydney Morning Herald.

Kerry O’Brien is one of Australia’s most respected journalists with six Walkley Awards including the Gold Walkley and the Walkley for outstanding leadership. In his decades at the ABC he reported for the trail-blazing current affairs programs This Day Tonight and Four Corners, presented Lateline for six years, 7.30 for fifteen years and Four Corners for five. In 2019 he was inducted into the television industry hall of fame. He has covered all the big historic Indigenous issues of his time, including land rights, deaths in custody, Mabo, the Stolen Generations’ inquiry, the birth and death of ATSIC, the intervention and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. He was a member of the Eminent Panel advising the Queensland Government on a path to treaty.

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