THOUSANDS took to the streets of Australia on Sunday to support a campaign to recognise indigenous people in the country’s constitution.

This comes ahead of a referendum set to take place later this year on setting up an advisory body, called Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which would give aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a direct say in the policies that affect them.

The move is backed by the ruling Labour government while the opposition Liberal-National conservatives are against the proposal.

The Yes23, the group behind more than 25 rallies nationwide, said that about 3,000 people took part in Sydney.

Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin said: “These community events are opportunities for people to come together and gain valuable information about the importance of a successful referendum later this year.” 

The day of action comes after support for the referendum appeared to be ebbing according to a poll last month, which showed “No” ahead for the first time, 51 per cent to 49 per cent.

But Yes23 director Rachel Perkins said that the dip in polls did not reflect the reality on the ground. 

She said there were great conversations taking place all over the country “and that’s just going to grow.”