Referendum - 14 October 2023

No longer on display. Expired on 14 October 2023, 12:00 AM

There is a referendum coming on the 1`4 October 2023. 

The question

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?

We encourage people to enrol or check their details online at www.aec.gov.au.

What is a referendum?

  • The Australian Constitution is a set of rules by which Australia is run. It is like a ‘rule book’.
  • There are rules about how the Constitution can be changed. The only way to change the Constitution is by holding a referendum.
  • A referendum is a national vote – and every Australian over 18 must vote. 

 

Enrolling to vote

  • To vote in the referendum, you need to be on the electoral roll.
  • When you enrol to vote, your name and address are added to the electoral roll.
  • You must enrol and vote if you’re an Australian aged 18 or over – it is compulsory.
  • You don’t have to enrol separately for a referendum. If you’re enrolled for elections, you’re enrolled for referendums too. Just make sure your details are up to date.

How to enrol or update your details

  • You can enrol online at aec.gov.au using a computer or smart phone, or you can use a paper form.
  • You need one of the following as a form of identity:
  1. your driver's licence
  2. a Medicare card
  3. an Australian passport
  4. an Australian citizenship certificate
  5. someone who is already enrolled who knows who you are can confirm your identity.
  • You should enrol to vote now so you don’t miss out.
  • If you move address, or change your name, you will need to update your details with the AEC. You can update your details online, or on a paper form.

 

Employment opportunities

What jobs are available

  • The AEC hires around 100,000 people to work on the referendum and it’s looking for people who can work in their local community.
  • Jobs include working in polling places, counting votes, and helping with planning and logistics.
  • Most jobs are on voting day. Some jobs start weeks before voting day or continue for a short time after voting day.
  • All jobs are paid and you don’t need any experience – we provide training. 
  • The AEC is also looking for people who speak languages other than English.       

How to register your interest

If you’re interested in work, you can submit an online registration of interest at aec.gov.au/electionjobs 

 

 

Other general information can be found at www.aec.gov.au/referendums/ or the Referendum Factsheet(PDF, 482KB).

Additional resources and information about the referendum process will be available closer to the voting period.