Australia Indigenous referendum opposition led by older, rural voters -poll

According to a survey released on Wednesday, elderly voters and people living outside of cities strongly oppose the Australian constitutional referendum on Indigenous recognition.

On Monday, early voting began on whether to include Indigenous Australians’ concerns in the constitution and establish a “Voice to Parliament” to allow them to voice them to the government.

But with less than two weeks until the votes close on October 14, a YouGov survey of 1,563 people released on Wednesday shows that the no camp leads the yes camp by 53% to 38%. 9% of those surveyed were unsure.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents disapprove of the amendment in rural regions and on the outskirts of cities, according to a YouGov survey, where opposition is fiercest.

The survey also indicated that over two-thirds of those aged 65 and over opposed the amendment, with no outnumbering yes by 68% to 24%.

Amir Daftari, head of polling and academic research at YouGov, stated, “The data clearly shows the contest is much closer in inner metro areas, but the Yes campaign is still struggling to move the needle across the country.”

Since voters rejected a 1999 plan to establish a republic, support for the referendum has waned. In a survey conducted last week, respondents said the vote distracted from problems, including the cost of living and housing.

In a different survey released on Tuesday, there was a modest increase in support for the initiative, with 43% planning to vote yes vs. 49% planning to vote no.

Supporters of the Voice claim it would advance the interests of Indigenous Australians, while opponents claim it would cause division by enshrining one group in the constitution.

Others who oppose the voice have called it toothless and a showpiece.

In Australia, where referendums are notoriously difficult to pass, just eight have been passed since the nation’s confederation in 1901.

Most votes must be cast nationally and in at least four states to modify the constitution.