As home to the Australian Constitution, National Archives of Australia presents an annual forum on Constitution Day, 9 July, that provides a platform for discussion about constitutional issues most relevant to us today.



The commitment by today’s government to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and to enshrining a First Nations Voice to Parliament has set in motion fresh discussion and hope for real change toward a modern and inclusive Australia.



'As custodians of past government decisions, National Archives can play a significant role in the process of setting to right injustices of our nation’s past, particularly those related to First Nations peoples in Australia' said Simon Froude, National Archives Director-General.



'We are very proud to be providing this opportunity for people to delve deeper and learn more about this crucial issue. The First Nations speakers are all professionally and personally involved in this debate, at both international and grass-roots levels.'



ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas presenter Paul Barclay will be joined by a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts. Speakers include human rights lawyers and advocates Professor Megan Davis and Dr Hannah McGlade, and author and activist Thomas Mayor.



Known for her work in the United Nations and in the national debate on constitutional reform, Professor Davis said, 'At the heart of every solution to grievance is yarning. Opportunities to discuss what constitutional recognition and a Voice to Parliament mean for Australia will take on extra significance this year.'



Spaces are limited for the Constitution Day forum, which will be held at National Archives in Canberra from 5:30 pm on 9 July. However, the discussion will be shared with a national audience thanks to ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas podcast, as well as on the National Archives website.