Timing for Indigenous voice vote revealed

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney told The Sydney Morning Herald the government planned to introduce legislation to parliament in March to set up the referendum.

Ms Burney said the "yes" campaign would likely begin in late February.

"Once that all mobilises, I think we're going to have a country that's ready for change," she told the newspaper.

Ms Burney said the legislation would be scrutinised by a parliamentary committee once it was introduced.

The government will seek to have the legislation pass through parliament in May, which could allow a vote to be held as early as August or as late as November.

A spokesman for shadow attorney-general Julian Leeser said the opposition had asked for "serious detail" on the constitutional change, which was important as the majority of referendums in Australia had failed.

"Australians are naturally cautious about changes to our governing document," he said.

"Australians will want the detail about how the voice will work, that's only fair given the government is asking for Australians to decide."

Last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the draft question for voters would be: "Do you support an alteration to the constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice?"

Mr Albanese has reiterated he believes the question regarding whether a voice should be enshrined in the constitution should be a simple yes-or-no referendum.

The Nationals have announced they will not support the referendum despite a split within the party after Calare MP Andrew Gee broke away as an independent to support the campaign.

The Liberals under Peter Dutton have not yet formed a position on the referendum, but the opposition leader has repeatedly called on the government to release more detail about the form the voice will take.

Australian Associated Press