Indigenous affairs minister receives Caux Statement supporting Voice

The Caux Statement calls on Australians to vote yes in the upcoming referendum to "heal the wounds of the past".

It echoes the words of activist Faith Bandler in the 1967 referendum - "the eyes of the world are on Australia".

Minister Burney said it showed significant international support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

"I'm so honoured to have received this statement," she said.

"I've known Uncle Hewitt for many years. His commitment to decency and justice reflects his life story as an Aboriginal Elder."

The Caux Statement was delivered to the minister by Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Hewitt Whyman on October 13.

It was created by Uncle Hewitt, Uncle Shane Charles and Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council member Elijah Ingram at the Initiatives of Change (IofC) conference in Caux, Switzerland.

Uncle Hewitt said people overseas were watching the debate more closely than most Australians realised. He said he was overwhelmed by their support.

"During the plenary session, I had this up on the stage on a table ... as soon as there was a 10-minute break, people just swamped it," he said.

"I stood back, just overwhelmed. Even the president [of IofC Gerald Pillay] signed it.

"I spoke to him at breakfast, and asked if he'd send a message back to Australia. He didn't hesitate, and just did the whole thing off the top of his head."

Uncle Hewitt brought the statement of support back to Australia, gathering additional signatures in airports along the way.

Wagga residents' signatures have joined those of IofC delegates since it's unveiling in August.

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