The Australian Government will launch a new information program, encouraging Australians to get ready for the conversation about the referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through establishing a Voice in the Constitution.
The information program will provide Australians with factual information about the referendum proposal to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and point them to Voice.gov.au where they can learn more.
Giving Australians trusted, easily accessible information that covers the what, why and how of the Referendum is crucial in increasing awareness and understanding before voting day, being held between October and December this year.
The information campaign will cover a variety of mainstream and targeted channels, including television and radio commercials and will be translated into a number of languages.
Community toolkits and other resources will be made available on the Voice.gov.au website.
This neutral civics information is one part of the Government’s broader civics education program to help all Australians answer questions they may have around the proposed change to the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia.
In parallel, the Museum of Australian Democracy and Constitution Education Fund Australia are set to deliver a grassroots civics program focusing on general information about the Constitution and referendum processes in the coming months.
These are all important steps in continuing the national conversation and encouraging everyone to participate in informed and respectful discussions as the referendum nears, ensuring all Australians can cast an informed vote.
For more information and to view the new resources, visit Voice.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“All Australians need to be well-informed with access to a trusted source of information as they consider the proposal to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia through a referendum.
“I welcome the launch of this information campaign which will reach audiences of every background and is as a key step in preparing the country for this national conversation before voting day.
“This is one part of the broader Referendum civics education program with investments made through the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Constitution Education Fund Australia to give Australians everything they need to make an informed decision.”