Join Philanthropy Australia’s CEO, Jack Heath in a fireside chat with Labor Senator Patrick Dodson, a Yawuru man from Broome, Western Australia. Senator Dodson has dedicated his life and practice to constructive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and earlier this year was appointed as the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.  

After Labor's election to the Federal Government in May 2022, the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart was confirmed as a priority in the government’s agenda. Labor announced that it would proceed with a referendum for Australians to decide whether to change the Australian Constitution to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Together, Jack Heath and Senator Dodson will discuss the government’s process to push forward with the referendum and specific roles of the government and wider community, including the progress of the Referendum Working Group and the emerging public debate. Join us to build your understanding around the first national referendum in Australia of the 21st Century.  

Jack Heath - CEO, Philanthropy Australia

Jack has been a leader of for-purpose organisations for more than 25 years. He believes there has never been a more important time for philanthropy as we grapple with huge societal challenges and diminished trust in our public institutions. Jack holds a deep-seated belief in the ability of philanthropy to inspire long-lasting, positive change in individual lives and communities. He advocates for aligned philanthropy, which is big-hearted, clear-headed and joyful.  

A graduate of the University of Melbourne in Honours Arts and Law, Jack has also undertaken executive courses at Harvard and Stanford universities. He served in Government as a diplomat, speechwriter, and senior adviser to Federal Ministers, including Prime Minister Keating and Foreign Minister Rudd. Following the suicide of his young cousin, Jack led the establishment of the ReachOut youth mental health organisations in Australia, Ireland and the United States before serving as CEO at the national mental health organization SANE Australia for eight years. 

Jack sits on a number of advisory boards and committees and has received awards for his contributions in mental health and community service.   He lives in Sydney with his publisher wife Catherine Milne and their dog Fred, and they are parents to Lucy and Jamie.

Senator Patrick Dodson - Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart & Chair of Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Australian Labor Party

Senator Patrick Dodson, a Yawuru man from Broome, Western Australia, has dedicated his life to being an advocate for constructive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples based on mutual respect, understanding and dialogue. He is a recipient of the Sydney Peace prize (2008).

Patrick has extensive experience in Aboriginal affairs, previously as Director of the Central and Kimberley Land Councils and as a Commissioner in the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. He also served as inaugural Chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and Co-chair of the Expert Panel for Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians.

Prior to his endorsement by the Australian Labor Party as a Western Australian Senator in March 2016, Patrick was a member of the ANU Council, Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame (Broome) and Co-Chair of the National Referendum Council. He holds honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Melbourne (Laws) and the University of New South Wales (Literature).

After Labor's election to government in May 2022, Patrick was appointed Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

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