Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised his push to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution will not distract his government from the cost of living, health and other crises, as he made an impassioned plea for a Yes vote, saying it would improve the lives of some of the country’s most disadvantaged people.

Speaking ahead of the resumption of parliament on Monday, the prime minister took aim at those portraying the Voice as a “false choice” between constitutional recognition and practical outcomes, saying it would achieve both.