2023 Referendum First Nations Voice to the Parliament of Australia

On 14 October 2023 Australians will take part in a national referendum, voting on whether a change should be made to the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The City of Onkaparinga supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart and acknowledges its call for the establishment of a First Nation’s Voice enshrined in the constitution.

Council’s position is neutral and is encouraging the community to be informed, have respectful conversations and to take part in the democratic process of the referendum.

We are committed to sharing information in a respectful way to ensure voters understand the referendum including the process and how to get involved.

2023 Referendum

What’s a referendum?

A federal referendum is a national vote on a question about a proposed change to the Constitution, the founding document for how Australia is governed.

To find out more about what a referendum is, the process and how to complete a referendum ballot paper, visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s referendum page. 

How do I get involved?

All details on how to get involved, including enrolling to vote, checking your enrolment and updating your details, are available on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.

How do I update my details?

You can check your current electoral enrolment and update your details via the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.

Where do I vote, what are my voting options and how do I complete a ballot paper?

Please visit the  Australian Electoral Commission’s website for details on polling places, postal voting and early voting. The commission has also produced a referendum fact sheet which is available online.

SA First Nations Voice to the Parliament of South Australia (State Government)

The South Australian Government has committed to a state-based implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart: Voice, Treaty and Truth.

This starts with a South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament.

This is different to the Federal First Nations Voice to Parliament (2023 referendum) and only relates to South Australia.

To find out more about the South Australian First Nations Voice visit the Attorney-General’s Department website. 

Uluru Statement from the Heart (Voice, Truth, Treaty)

On 16 May 2023, council’s elected members voted to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart (Voice, Truth, Treaty). Read the minutes here.

View more information about the statement.

Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre

The City of Onkaparinga’s Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre, located in Old Reynella, provides programs and activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and families.

We work in partnership with Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Incorporated to deliver programs and services at the centre. 

To find out more about Neporendi, including upcoming events, click here.

Other resources

The Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) YouTube channel has a range of videos explaining what a referendum is, voting options, why referendums are held, the role of the AEC, and more. 

Watch the ABC’s ‘yes or no? Everything you need to know about the Indigenous Voice referendum’ video on their YouTube channel.

Council is committed to supporting informed and respectful public conversation regarding the referendum, however we acknowledge that some distress may be caused to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during this time. Below are links to recently published documents that include a range of mental health and wellbeing services and supports, and information sources for First Nations people affected by the referendum discussions.

Back to top