Noel Pearson, the architect of the Voice to Parliament referendum, has delivered his first major public speech in three years at the 2026 Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous cultural gathering.

Reflecting on the nearly three years since the referendum, Pearson spoke candidly about the hopes, faith and disappointment that followed the result, which saw more than 60 per cent of Australians vote against enshrining an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution.

“For those of us who urged faith, hope and love, there is an account to be given for the hopes raised, the faith urged and the love lost in the referendum.”

Pearson was joined at Garma by Fiona Jose from Cape York Partnership, as they reflected on the path ahead for Indigenous Australians and the ongoing work of building a better future.