As the son of Italian migrants, as a Christian, and as an Australian I believe that the Voice to Parliament is a generous offer from First Nations people that – if we vote yes – will make us a better country.

For 122 years our Constitution has not recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians as the first peoples of this land – ignoring more than 60,000 years of continuous connection by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In February this year, leaders from Australia’s major religious organisations wrote an open letter to parliamentarians calling on them to “find ways to collaborate constructively across political divides to achieve the modest constitutional recognition First Nations people seek: a constitutionally guaranteed Voice in their own affairs”.

I think it is important to recognise that the Voice to Parliament is a modest proposal. Non-Indigenous Australians are not being asked to ‘give anything up’.

But just because the ask is modest does not mean it is inconsequential. Formalising consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution will lead to better policies and better outcomes.

I believe we should appreciate and accept this generous invitation to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards a better future, a means of recognition and a way forward for healing and learning together.

In the context of 60,000 years of history most Australians are pretty new to the neighbourhood – particularly multicultural Australians like me – and I think recognising First Nations people in our Constitution through a voice to Parliament will be an important expression of love and reconciliation.

I know I am not alone in holding this view. When surveyed by Newspoll, over 60% of Australians with a multicultural background indicated that they intend to vote Yes in the referendum later this year.

I am happy that leaders of my Church and other faith groups are actively supporting a ‘Yes’ vote on the Voice which aligns with the proud Christian history of standing up for the most vulnerable in society and building community.

As we walk through this journey together, I look forward to campaigning with the Italian community, Christians and Australians of all faiths, backgrounds and political parties. It is my hope that this will be a unifying moment for Australia that goes beyond traditional allegiances.

Let’s seize this opportunity and wake up the day after the referendum to a better Australia.

Senator Raff Ciccone

Senator Raff Ciccone is a Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Deputy Government Whip in the Senate and Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee