Societal issues

Indigenous Voice

In late 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum on whether to alter the Australian Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The Voice would be an independent body that would give advice to the Australian parliament and government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In this year’s Poll, we asked if introducing the proposed Voice would have an impact on Australia’s international reputation. Australians are almost evenly divided, with 47% saying that a Voice would improve Australia’s reputation, while 44% say it would make no difference. Very few (8%) believe it would damage Australia’s reputation.

After polling concluded, Opposition leader Peter Dutton formally announced he would oppose the government’s proposal to establish a Voice. There is a stark divide in opinion along political party lines on the Voice’s potential impact on Australia’s reputation. 62% of those who lean towards the Labor Party think the Voice would improve Australia’s international reputation. Of those who lean towards the Liberal or National parties, only 25% say the Voice would improve Australia’s reputation, while 61% say it would make no difference.

Societal issues
Indigenous Voice

Question

Now a question about Australia's international reputation and the proposed Indigenous Voice to parliament. Do you think introducing the Indigenous Voice to parliament would: