Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum vote ‘as early as August’, Linda Burney says

Australians could be voting on the planned Indigenous Voice to Parliament as early as August.

Linda Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, confirmed on Sunday the Albanese government wanted to pass legislation to set up a referendum on the Voice by May.

That would allow the vote to take place in August, but it could be as late as November.

Linda Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, said the Albanese government wants to pass legislation to set up a referendum on the Voice by May and that the vote could happen as early as August

The referendum is expected to be on a simple question, such as ‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’

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There has also been speculation October is a likely date as the month is free from major distractions such as footy finals and school holidays. 

Ms Burney is optimistic that once the referendum is established, Australia will support it.

‘Once that all mobilises, I think we’re going to have a country that’s ready for change,’ she said.

The referendum is expected to be on a simple question, such as ‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’

The wording for that question was drafted by the Albanese government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a vocal advocate for the reform and spoke passionately in favour of it last week at the Woodford Folk Festival.

Northern Territory Liberal senator Jacinta Price has publicly opposed the Voice

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a vocal advocate for the reform and spoke passionately in favour of it last week at the Woodforde Folk Festival

‘This is an opportunity for all of us to be a part of enriching our nation and being even stronger in the future,’ he said.

If the public votes in favour of the idea, the Indigenous Voice would be formed and mean an amendment to the Australian constitution.

Under Labor’s plan, three new paragraphs would be added to it.

They would essentially cement its existence and in general terms define its role as a highly influential advisory group. 

In practice, the Voice is likely be a group which would advise the federal government and parliament on Indigenous policy matters such as health, education, economic disadvantage and social problems.

It could not veto any government decisions and will have no power to deliver programs.

Overall the purpose of the Voice is to improve the representation of Indigenous Australians at the highest levels. 

But the idea has had its detractors who claim the idea lacks detail and has caused misunderstanding amongst the public.

A national poll taken in August found only 43 per cent of voters were supportive of the Labor’s planned changes to the Constitution. 

Voters were also confused about the Voice referendum plan and its importance, especially when compared to the daily struggles of the cost of living crisis.

Northern Territory Country Liberal Senator Jacinta Price has publicly opposed the Voice, said it couldn’t fairly represent Indigenous people across Australia and criticised the lack of detail in plans.

Ms Burney said complaints about a lack of detail are ‘rubbish’ and that the public would be given ‘ample detail’ leading up to the referendum.

Statistically, history is not on the side of a proposed change to the Constitution.

Only eight out of 44 referendums held since Federation have resulted in changes to the Constitution.