Translations in Auslan, Easy English, and Plain Language about the upcoming referendum have been released.
Image: Orange background with the words 'Accessible Resources Voice to Parliament Referendum' in white. The Life Without Barriers and Polaron logo are on the bottom left.
Life Without Barriers and Polaron have launched an innovative initiative aimed at ensuring equal access to voting for all Australians, regardless of culture, disability, or reading level.
The collaboration aims to address the language barriers that some people may encounter during the upcoming Referendum, empowering people to make informed decisions by providing translated resources and information.
Through the initiative, social media toolkits, videos, and translated information have been developed, catering to over 45 languages.
Translations are available in languages ranging from Arabic العربي ة to Vietnamese Tiếng Việt. Additionally, resources in Auslan (Australian Sign Language), Easy English, and Plain Language have also been prioritised.
Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers, said this year, we will be asked to make an important decision about the Referendum and our goal is to ensure that regardless of language, linguistic competency, or cultural background, all Australians have access to information so they can make an informed decision on a Voice to Parliament.
"As a national provider of services, we believe we have an important role to help support the sharing of accessible information for people in the communities we serve,” Ms Robbs said.
“That includes many people who require information in Auslan, Easy and plain English, accessible formats, auditory formats and a range of languages.”
“The upcoming Referendum will be a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Everyone deserves to understand what they are voting for and the significance of their decision.”
You can download the Auslan Social Media Toolkit here.
You can download the Easy Read Social Media Toolkit here.
You can download the Easy Read Factsheet here.
You can download the Plain Language Social Media Toolkit here.
You can download the Plain Language Factsheet here.
All organisations and individuals are welcome to download and share these resources with your networks.
For further information about the initiative and to access the translated materials, visit the Life Without Barriers hub!
First Nations translated videos:
Understanding the Referendum
We have put together the most commonly asked questions and answers about establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
What is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is a way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise the Government about laws and policies that affect them.
What is a Referendum?
A Referendum is when voters are asked to answer Yes or No to a question or questions. The only way to change Australia's Constitution is via a Referendum.
Do I have to vote in the Referendum?
It is compulsory by law for all eligible Australian citizens aged 18 and older to enrol and vote in the referendum. You can find out more at the Australian Electoral Commission website.
How do I vote in the Referendum?
Referendums are like elections. On polling day, you can go to a polling place and cast your vote on a ballot paper.
What question will the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum ask?
“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?” You will need to write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
We thank Polaron, Reconciliation Australia, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and Yes23, for their commitment to breaking down language barriers and promoting equitable participation!
If you have any feedback or need any help with these resources, please email Polaron the team at translations@polaron.com.au or complete the feedback form below.
Recognition through a Voice
The official Australian Government website for the Voice has a wealth of information on the referendum including toolkits, resources, booklets, factsheets and newsletters.
Your official yes | no referendum pamphlet.
The AEC have produced versions of the official referendum booklet (which includes Your official Yes/No referendum pamphlet and Your official guide to the 2023 referendum) in a range of languages and accessible formats.
Information for people with disability or mobility restrictions can be found here including:
Easy read guides on the Referendum and Election
Information on Polling place accessibility
Postal voting and phone voting
Information for people who are blind or have low vision
People living with dementia
People who are deaf or hard of hearing
The Uluru Statement
The Uluru Statement invites you to join a movement of the Australian people and walk with them for a better future. They call on all Australians to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament by voting Yes in the upcoming referendum, so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can finally have a say on policies and laws that affect their communities.
You can access an Easy Read guide of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, prepared by the Council for Intellectual Disability and the First Peoples Disability Network Australia here.
You can find an Auslan translation of the statement, prepared in collaboration with SBS here.
The Uluru Statement have also created an educational FAQ section.
