The prime minister will make an announcement on the Indigenous voice at the Woodford Folk Festival. -AAP Image
Anthony Albanese has firmed up the timetable for the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament, saying by this time next year Australians will have gone to the polls.
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The prime minister will make the announcement at the Woodford Folk Festival, a six-day celebration of music and culture being held for the first time in almost three years, north of Brisbane on Wednesday.
"When Woodford takes place next year, the referendum on the Voice to Parliament will have been held," he will say.
"This is an opportunity for all of us to be a part of enriching our nation and being even stronger in the future."
Mr Albanese will say he respects Australian's right to make their own decision on the referendum.
But he will reiterate a voice would achieve two things: recognise First Nations people in Australia's constitution and ensure they are consulted on matters that directly affect them.Â
The prime minister will encourage Australians to support the referendum, saying it's a chance to be part of national unity and reconciliation.
"It will be when we join with our continent's mosaic of ancient nations that our modern nation will find its greatest strength, achieve its fullest potential and realise its truest self," he will say.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney is also attending the festival and will take part in a talk with Indigenous leader, lawyer and activist Noel Pearson about the referendum.
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