Try the political quiz
@ISIDEWITHQuestionsDomestic Policy10yrs ago

Should the constitution recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

The Australian constitution does not currently reference Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The federal government created a council to explore holding a referendum on the subject in May 2017. Proponents, including Prime Minister Turnbull, argue that the original inhabitants of Australia should be recognized in the constitution and all racial elements should be removed. Opponents argue that the government resources should not be wasted on holding a referendum.

+
Expand
+ Settings

Toggle voterbase

Statistics are shown for this demographic

Answer Overview

Response rates from 80.3k Australia voters.

84%
Yes
16%
No

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 80.3k Australia voters.

Loading data...

Loading chart... 

Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 80.3k Australia voters.

Loading data...

Loading chart... 

Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @593R4MJfrom New South Wales  answered…6yrs6Y

To be honest, Im sick of recognizing Aboriginal people. this country is going to end up being run by Aboriginals soon and the white man will be a second class citizen. Hell we can't even claim racism when an Aboriginal calls us whiteys or crackers or honky or any racial slur.

 @8F6MYPManswered…6yrs6Y

It should mention all people

 @4X989LWfrom New South Wales  answered…6yrs6Y

They should recognise all religions and cultures but provide no benefit for any as we are all Australian.

 @9727M25answered…4yrs4Y

No. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are Australian and therefore they are already recognised. By creating a specific reference, category or any other separation/segregation from being 'Australian' is a form of apartheid.

 @Kiceannafrom Victoria  answered…6yrs6Y

No, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders are Australian, thus I would argue they are recognized and represented, even if not by name. The constitution doesn't need to change.

 @4WPM5BSfrom New South Wales  answered…6yrs6Y

It's important, but a referendum is incredibly expensive to hold. It would be more efficient to actually do something that would provide resources that would actually help someone, and serve more of a purpose than just sit there as a token gesture.

 @BF27DVNanswered…1wk1W

the constitution recognises everyone

 @BDRBV6Canswered…1mo1MO

Should recognise all citizens regardless of race. No ethnicity should get special treatment.

Popular Conversations

Join in on the most popular conversations.

Active 4wks ago

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…2yrs2Y

Do you support the government calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza?

Yes

▲  1.4k6 replies5 disagree

About This Data

Based on 80.3k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

Read Our Full Methodology →

Cite Or Embed This Poll

Writing about this issue? Use the live data and link back to the full results.

Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should the constitution recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://australia.isidewith.com/polls/2321720817

Embed The Live Result

Preview