Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament will be held before December 2023.
The PM made the announcement while addressing the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, in a speech that paid homage to former prime minister Bob Hawke.
Mr Albanese told the crowd the referendum on a Voice would have taken place by this time next year.
"When Woodford takes place next year, the referendum on the Voice to Parliament will have been held. This is an opportunity for all of us to be a part of enriching our nation and being even stronger in the future," he said.
"This will give respect to First Nations people, and it will enhance both the way Australians see ourselves, and the way we are seen by the world."
It comes a week after Nationals MP Andrew Gee resigned from the party over its decision to oppose the Voice.
Mr Albanese says there will be differences of opinion on the Voice across the parliament.
"I respect everyone's right to make their own decision on the referendum, but I encourage Australians to consider the generous and gracious request from First Nations people.
"Momentum is growing. Local government, community groups, churches, business, trade unions and sporting codes have joined every state and territory government in pledging support for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament," he said.
The government has been under increasing pressure to put forth more detail on the Voice, but it is understood the government is not intending to outline all the rules and functions of the body before it is voted on by the Australian public.
Also speaking at the festival, Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney says the government does not want the debate to be bogged down in detail.
"The people will vote on the principle, for Indigenous people to be guaranteed a fairer say on the laws and policies made about them, and parliament will legislate the detail," she said.
"The government is effectively asking you Australians 'do we need a bridge to cross Sydney Harbour? Yes or no?' with the parliament to then decide how many lanes will be on that bridge."
Speech interrupted by climate protest
A small group of anti-coal campaigners interrupted the start of Mr Albanese's speech.
Mr Albanese told the group he would give them a minute to get their point across before he would continue his speech.
Towards the end of his speech, Mr Albanese was interrupted again by the protesters, and as he was talking about the Voice to Parliament, he asked the protest to show "respect".
The vast majority was supportive of the prime minister, who received loud cheers and a standing ovation at the end of his speech.
ABC
