Groups against Indigenous voice to push for tax-deductible donation status

The Greens have separately welcomed almost $6m in initial funding for a Makarrata commission, which advances the truth and treaty components of the Uluru statement from the heart that Senator Lidia Thorpe set as her conditions for considering supporting the voice referendum.

The Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yuin man said the government should outline further details of the voice to parliament before committing further large public funding to the referendum. Mundine said he wanted to see more education and outreach in Indigenous communities.

Parkin is also the director of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition. He said it would be among many groups involved in building a case for a yes vote on the voice. He also backed the Makarrata funding going toward the other parts of the Uluru statement.

Thorpe welcomed funding for First Nations justice projects and real-time reporting of deaths in custody, as well as health and housing.

Guardian Australia understands there has been no decision in federal cabinet on public funding for the yes and no campaigns in the referendum. Parkin said From The Heart was not actively campaigning for public funding and would prefer to remain independent.

A government working group on the referendum, discussing logistical issues like the exact referendum question wording, will meet again this Friday. Parkin said From The Heart would prefer a referendum be held by the end of 2023.