As the debates around the proposed Voice referendum heat up, we have launched an online poll to gauge public sentiment.
The referendum, aimed at recognising Indigenous people in the constitution, has both its fervent supporters and detractors, leading to a surge in public discourse.
Located in the left sidebar on our website and beneath articles for those on mobile view, our online poll invites readers to weigh in on the upcoming Voice referendum.
It poses the question, "How will you vote in the Voice referendum?" with three selectable responses: "Yes," "No," or "Undecided." Please note that participation in the survey is limited to Australian IP addresses.
The referendum is a product of the Albanese Government's commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Scheduled for sometime between October and December 2023, the referendum will seek to enshrine Indigenous people's recognition in the constitution through the formation of a consultative committee to parliament - the "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice."
The First Nations Referendum Working Group and various representatives of First Nation communities across Australia have spent several months deliberating the wording of the referendum question.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the constitutional amendment and question on March 23, 2023, following these extensive consultations.
The referendum will propose the addition of 'Chapter IX – Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' to the end of the Constitution. Australians will vote 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 proposed alteration?"
For a referendum to pass, it requires a double majority - support from a majority of Australian voters, as well as from at least four of Australia's six states. The votes from the two territories contribute to the total but do not count towards the latter condition.
The referendum holds great significance as it is notoriously difficult to alter Australia’s constitution. Of the 44 referendums held since 1901, only eight have been successful, with none passed since 1977.
In the lead-up to the vote, a pamphlet detailing the arguments for and against a Voice to Parliament, as well as the specifics of the proposed constitutional change, will be distributed to all enrolled households. Voting in the referendum is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens aged 18 and above.
Prime Minister Albanese is confident that a "positive campaign will produce a positive result." However, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton urges the government to abandon the Voice to Parliament referendum if they believe the "Yes" campaign will fail.
Among former prime ministers, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, and Malcolm Turnbull support the "Yes" campaign, Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott are in the "No" camp, while John Howard remains undecided.
