Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlined the Government’s commitment to present an Indigenous Voice in Parliament during a meeting with Australian and South African cricket stars.
Mr Albanese hosted the Australian and South African cricket teams at Kirribilli House for the traditional family day out where they engaged in some friendly backyard competition.
During a speech on the day, Mr Albanese couldn’t help but reiterate his commitment to Labor’s high-priced political issue, Indigenous Voice in Parliament.
“On behalf of the Australian Government, I am proud to recommit to the implementation of the Heart of Uluru Declaration in its entirety,” Mr Albanese told the crowd.
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“To our South African friends, we have a constitution that is our nation’s birth certificate beginning in 1788 when the First Fleet arrived here, but what we know of course is that the proud history on this island continent that we share with the First Nations people go back about 60,000 years.
“My government is determined to change the constitution with the support of the Australian people.”
Mr Albanese also recognized the work that Cricket Australia and other sporting codes are doing to recognize and reconcile with all Indigenous Australians.
The Australian cricket team wears an indigenous logo on their necks while playing, a welcome to the country ceremony is also held before every match and players joined the West Indies in taking a knee in their recent series.
The teams and their families joined the Prime Minister for some friendly backyard cricket on a day off before meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the second Test of their two-match series.
“Hard to beat a little backyard cricket on New Years Day. Very pleased to welcome the Australian and South African teams and their families to Kirribilli House ahead of the Pink Test at the SCG this week, with Minister for Sport Anika Wells,” Mr Albanese tweeted.
“It’s a New Year’s Day tradition that I’m very excited to continue.
“Thank you to Cricket Australia and the McGrath Foundation and let’s hope we see a great contest and a great crowd for a very important cause.”
Australian captain Pat Cummins and South African captain Dean Elgar thanked Mr. Albanese for hosting the teams for the traditional day of fun and relaxation.
“It’s great to be able to attend along with the other players, staff and families in such a beautiful setting,” Cummins said.
“I would also like to thank the Australian government who have been a great friend to our team and to Australian cricket in general, particularly the friendship when we travel abroad.”
Mr Albanese was at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne to witness Australia demolish the tourists and secure a series victory and also confirmed that he would visit the SCG for the final match of the tour.
The Prime Minister also said that he would be watching the Australians during their fourth Test against India in Gujarat.
“I will be there with Narendra Modi, who invited us to the fourth test in his home state of Gujarat, and we will also be bringing an Australian business delegation. [to talk] on how we can expand economic opportunities for Australia in India,” he said.
“That’s one of the things about cricket. It brings together people from different cultures, from different societies. And it helps build global harmony.”
The New Year’s Test will begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 4 at the SCG.
