Most Australians have heard of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament but understanding of the idea is limited.
This special True Issues Indigenous Voice to Parliament poll was conducted as an online survey between 12 – 15 August among a representative national sample of 1,000 Australians aged 18+ years.
The survey shows that most Australians (79%) have heard of the idea of a body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to advise the Australian Parliament and Government on laws and policies related to Indigenous Australians. However, there is largely superficial knowledge about this potential referendum topic – 45% claim to know ‘a lot’ or ‘a little’ about the idea of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and a 34% are aware of it in name only and know nothing about it.
When presented with the Government’s proposed three-point draft amendment to the Australian Constitution and referendum question, 43% of Australians say they would support this change to the constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
It is seen as recognition of the special history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s Indigenous people and an opportunity for them to have a say about policy that impacts them.
Fewer adults, 23%, would not support this Constitutional change, with some questioning the need for representation beyond Indigenous MPs, the Ministry for Indigenous Australians, etc. and the fairness of giving special voice to one group of Australians.
A further one in three adults are either in need of more information (20%), e.g. around the purpose, composition and powers of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, or are undecided (14%).
This is an excerpt from our latest True Issues report, to read the full report, click the link below.
For further enquiries or to include your issue in the next wave, please get in touch.