The Voice to Parliament referendum is coming

Are you ready to vote? 

On Saturday 14 October, eligible Australians will vote in a national referendum to amend the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.  

What is the Voice to Parliament? 

The Voice would give independent advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This will help to address disadvantage and systemic discrimination.  

10 FAQs about the Voice 

Do I have to vote? 

It is compulsory for Australian citizens over 18 to vote in the referendum, but you aren't automatically added to the electoral roll when you turn 18. Enrolments to vote via the Australian Electoral Commission closed on Monday 18 September.  

Not sure if your details are correct? You can check your enrolment here.  

How to vote 

Thousands of polling locations will be open across Australia on Saturday 14 October. If you are unable to vote on the day, there are other options that you may be eligible for: 

• Early voting centres
• Postal voting
• Overseas voting
• Telephone voting

You must write either 'yes' or 'no' in English on your ballot paper. Do not draw a tick or a cross symbol. 

Complete a sample ballot paper  

How will the vote be decided? 

For the Constitution to be amended, the proposed change needs to be approved by a double majority of Australians. This means both of the following criteria must be met: 

• More than half of all voters must submit a 'yes' response 

• More than half of all voters in at least four of the six states must submit a 'yes' response.  

UNSW supports the Voice  

UNSW has actively supported the Voice from its early days, including through the Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW and the Uluru Dialogues. 

The Uluru Statement aligns with UNSW’s institutional values of inclusion, respect and excellence. UNSW proudly heeds its call for all Australians to walk together for a better future. 

The Uluru Dialogues is hosting an online event, Start a Yarn, where people can talk directly with First Nations peoples and ask questions about the Voice. The yarning circle concept is used by many First Nations peoples across the world. It's a space for active listening and reflection. 

Key reasons to vote Yes in the Voice referendum 

More about UNSW and the Voice 

Authorised by Alison Avery for the University of New South Wales, The Chancellery, High St Kensington NSW 2033. 

Photo credit: Lua Pellegrini. UNSW has launched a bespoke profile pic for the Voice designed by a First Nations student at UNSW. This artwork by Lua Pellegrini, proud Wiradjuri woman and UNSW Fine Arts & Arts student, depicts the coming together to discuss the Voice and highlights the vibrancy and diversity of community and perspective. See more of Lua Pellegrini’s work. Authorised by Alison Avery for UNSW Sydney.