With the campaigns for the upcoming Voice referendum gaining momentum, we have set up an online poll to capture the public mood on this pivotal matter.
The referendum, aimed at recognising Indigenous people in the constitution, has both its fervent supporters and detractors, leading to a surge in public discourse.
We invite visitors to participate in this online poll, conveniently located on the sidebar of our website and beneath articles for those on mobile view. The question asked is, "How will you vote in the Voice referendum?" with the options "Yes," "No," or "Undecided" available for selection.
Please note that participation in the survey is limited to Australian IP addresses.
Set to take place between October and December 2023, the referendum is part of the Albanese Government's commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It seeks to establish a constitutional provision for the "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice," an advisory body to parliament.
Extensive consultations have been underway for months, with representatives from First Nation communities across Australia debating the precise wording of the referendum question. On March 23, 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially announced the constitutional amendment and the proposed question, both products of collaboration with the First Nations Referendum Working Group.
Referendum question
The question to be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum will be:
"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 proposed alteration?"
Constitutional amendment
The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert a new section into the Constitution:
"Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VoiceIn recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
- There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”
The hurdle for the success of a referendum is high, demanding a double majority. This means the proposition must gain the approval of the majority of Australian voters and win the endorsement of at least four out of the country's six states. The votes from the two territories are counted in the total, but not towards the state majority condition.
Given the historical difficulty in amending Australia’s constitution - with only eight out of 44 referendums successful since 1901, and no successful amendments since 1977 - the upcoming referendum holds significant weight. Prior to the vote, every enrolled household will receive a pamphlet explaining the pros and cons of a Voice to Parliament and the details of the proposed constitutional alteration. All Australian citizens aged 18 and above are legally required to vote in the referendum.
While Prime Minister Albanese stands firmly behind the "Yes" campaign, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton cautions the government against proceeding with the Voice to Parliament referendum if they suspect that the "Yes" campaign might not prevail.
The prime minister said on Monday the Labor party would ramp up efforts to explain and campaign for the voice.
“We continue to put the case, Australians will make up their own mind. I encourage Australians to look at the wording that’s put forward, to talk with First Nations people as well," he said.
"This voice is legally risky, with unknown consequences. It’s divisive and permanent. Yet when Australians raise reasonable concerns, they’ve been dismissed", Peter Dutton describes his view in a six-page pamphlet sent to residents in his marginal Queensland electorate of Dickson.
Among former prime ministers, the "Yes" campaign draws support from Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, and Malcolm Turnbull, while Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott align with the "No" camp. John Howard remains noncommittal at this point.
