The Voice to parliament referendum might still be months away, but both the “yes” and “no” camps are hopeful the release of their official essays on Tuesday will steer Australians towards their side.
Both committees – made up of politicians – had until midnight on Monday to submit their 2000 word essays to the AEC, and assuming the submission adheres to the strict word limit, will be published online by the Australian Electoral Commission on Tuesday.
The official pamphlets won’t be distributed until closer to voting day, which is expected to be sometime between October and December.
The official “no” case was submitted to the AEC on Friday, after a collaborative effort from dozens of MPs and senators who voted against the Constitution Alteration Bill.
Chair of the No case, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, said the committee had produced an essay that delivered a “simple and clear message” after “careful consideration of the input and views of all members”.
“I believe the essay we have produced outlines the strongest case against the divisive Voice, with a simple and clear message,” she said.
“My colleagues and I believe Australians deserve details, consultation and transparency. Instead, they’ve been given a rushed process and a proposal that is risky, full of unknowns, and enshrines division in the constitution.”
“I encourage all Australians to read the ‘no’ case when it is made available this week,” she said.
Deputy chair Paul Scarr said the no case was “very strong”.
“It is simple and persuasive. It reflects the arguments which have been made repeatedly by members of the Coalition against changing our constitution … Both matters of principle and practical issues are covered. They are very strong arguments,” he said.
On the back of a severe dip in support for the Voice in the latest Newspoll, the official “yes” case was to be submitted to the AEC on Monday.
The argument was put together by Labor MPs and senators, members of the Greens, some Liberals and independents.
Ahead of submitting the official “yes” case, Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said compiling the argument had been a “collaborative process that has brought together the best reasons why Australians should vote ‘yes’ for constitutional recognition through a voice”.
Independent Curtin MP Kate Chaney said the Voice was a “low risk, high return opportunity to unite all Australians”.
“I have appreciated the opportunity to contribute, along with members of parliament from across the political spectrum, to this important pamphlet which provides a clearly articulated case for the Voice,” she said.
“People want to become better informed about the benefits of the Voice as a promise to keep listening. This pamphlet is an important part of that process.
Zoe Daniel, the independent Goldstein MP, said the hoped the “carefully written explanation” would help “support understanding and enable people to vote yes”.