The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) has launched a new website to kick off an education campaign on the upcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament referendum.
Welcoming the campaign, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney said the new information program encouraged Australians to get ready for the conversation about the referendum.
“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,” Ms Burney said.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Burney said community toolkits and other resources would also be made available on the Voice.gov.au website.
She said the neutral civics information was 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,” the Minister for Indigenous Australians said.
“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.”
Further information on the Voice referendum can be accessed at this PS News link.
