The Australian Government is partnering with the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Constitution Education Fund Australia to deliver a civics information program so that Australians can get the facts ahead of the 2023 referendum to recognise the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Government will provide:
- $475,000 to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD)
- $1 million to the Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA)
MoAD and the CEFA will jointly deliver a grassroots civics program which will provide accessible, neutral and easy-to-understand information about the Constitution and referendum processes.
The last referendum in Australia was held in 1999, meaning that no Australians under the age of 42 will have voted in a referendum before.
MoAD has extensive experience in communicating civics information, both through its physical museum at Old Parliament House and its digital channels.
This funding will allow them to improve public understanding of the Constitution and referendums by increasing reach and visibility of their existing civics education products through digital channels, libraries and other public institutions around Australia in the coming months.
CEFA is a non-government organisation with significant experience in civics teaching, particularly on Australia’s processes of government, Constitution and constitutional history.
This $1 million will see CEFA create a range of e-learning materials and digital content to engage all Australians and enhance their understanding of Australia’s democratic systems, the Constitution and voting generally throughout the course of the year.
This funding builds on the existing reach and expertise of both these organisations and takes an important step towards the referendum by providing all Australians with the facts.
More information about the referendum is available on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice website and more about the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Constitution Education Fund Australia is available on their respective websites.
The Australian Government is also preparing the next phase of the civics information campaign to be launched next month.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“For many Australians, this will be the first referendum they’ve ever participated in and it’s crucial they have the facts to make an informed decision.
“Both the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Constitution Education Fund Australia are established and trusted organisations with existing channels that can reach and teach people across the country about the Constitution and referendum processes.
“Delivering this civics program will ensure all Australians can contribute respectfully and knowledgeably to the national conversation about the referendum before voting day.”
Quotes attributable to Museum of Australian Democracy Director, Stephanie Bull:
“Museum of Australian Democracy events, exhibitions and public programs encourage thousands of visitors to improve their understanding of democracy and give them the skills required to contribute to it.
“This funding will enable MoAD to develop digital content that reaches people across the nation, enabling Australians to actively participate in their democracy.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Constitution Education Fund Australia, Kerry Jones:
“We welcome the opportunity to provide essential information to Australians about the referendum process, the workings of the Constitution and our system of government.
“The Constitution Education Fund Australia will present the information in an attractive and comprehensive format to a wide range of electors.”