About the Referendum

What is a referendum and what are we being asked to vote on? 

​

A referendum is a national vote on a proposed change to the Constitution. Later this year, Australians will be asked to vote yes or no on the following question:

​

A proposed law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this alteration?

​

Why are we having a referendum?

​

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in July 2022 that there would be a referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution. 

​

The referendum is a response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which requested a Voice to Parliament in 2017.

​

Enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution will provide long-term security for a First Nations Voice - meaning any change in Government will not abolish the Voice unless it is voted on in another referendum.

​

How do you vote in the referendum and what are your obligations?

​

Just like in a Federal Election, all Australians aged 18 and over must vote in the referendum. 

​

Before you can vote, you must be enrolled. You can enrol by filling out a paper form or go to aec.gov.au.

​

You can enrol using your Medicare card, driver's licence, Australian Passport, or if someone already enrolled can confirm your identity.