Anthony Albanese set to announce Voice referendum date as October 14

Australians will head to the polls within the next two months, with the Prime Minister set to make the announcement in a must-win state.

Anthony Albanese will officially announce the date of the Voice referendum in the must-win state of South Australia next Wednesday and kick off a six-week campaign.

It’s widely anticipated Australians will head to the polls on October 14 to vote in the first referendum in 24 years.

The Prime Minister is set to join prominent Voice supporters in Adelaide next week to announce the date in a bid to turn the tide and rally support for the proposed constitutional change.

In order for a referendum to succeed, it must win the majority of votes in a majority of states.

Only eight of 44 referendums have succeeded in Australia’s 122-year history – all with bipartisan support.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce the referendum date next week. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Sam Ruttyn

The latest polls have support for the Voice slumping in every state, and according to the latest Newspoll surveys the “Yes” vote is ahead in only South Australia and NSW.

The votes are evenly split in Victoria, while the “No” vote is leading in Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, with the No campaign confident it can win over voters.

The Yes campaign is also targeting the island state.

Announcing the date next week means there will be two parliamentary sitting weeks in September during the six-week campaign period.

He says it will give First Nations people ‘better results’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Sam Ruttyn

In a statement, Mr Albanese said the referendum campaign would be a chance to “celebrate our shared history and build a better shared future”.

“Very soon, our nation will have a once-in-a-generation chance to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution and make a positive difference to their lives with a Voice,” he said.

“Next week, the date will be announced.

“I will be campaigning for constitutional recognition because if not now, when?

“Nothing to lose, everything to gain. Every Australian will get a say in this. Every Australian will have the opportunity to vote yes for a practical, positive difference in people’s lives.”

Mr Albanese has ruled out legislating a Voice to parliament if the bid for constitutional reform falls short, saying he will respect Australia’s wishes.