Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum vote 'as early as August', Linda ... trends now
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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?'
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.
