AFL executive Tanya Hosch has spoken of her lower leg amputation while delivering an emotional speech in support of an Indigenous voice.

Rising from her wheelchair to stand at a podium, Ms Hosch told the launch of the referendum in Adelaide on Wednesday she wanted better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

"In terms of our health we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people endure a burden of disease two to three times higher than non-Indigenous Australians," she said.

The 2021 Australian of the Year finalist then shared her story which she said was important because it was "too easy to speak of numbers without speaking about people and families and communities".

"A little over two weeks ago, I had my lower right leg amputated and so having left hospital only yesterday, I'm standing here on one leg today," she said.

"I have type two diabetes and I contracted a related disease that I have battled for three years and across six surgeries trying to avoid the loss of my limb.

"I'm not without privilege and access to services, but still the service design let me down."

Ms Hosch, who hails from South Australia, was the first Indigenous person and second woman appointed to the AFL executive.