Indigenous voice to parliament referendum: Next steps

* Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus introduced a proposed bill for a referendum to alter the constitution and enshrine an Indigenous voice.

* The constitutional change will involve adding three clauses saying:

"There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

"The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to parliament and the executive government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

"The parliament shall, subject to this constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures."

* A parliamentary committee made up of members and senators from the government, opposition and crossbench will examine the details of the bill.

* The committee will conduct hearings and members of the public will be able to make submissions on the proposal.

* A committee report will be provided to parliament by no later than May 15.

* Both houses of parliament will debate the bill and any proposed amendments.

* The government hopes to pass the bill by the last parliamentary sitting day in June.

* A neutral civics education campaign will be funded by the government to inform Australians about the constitution, how to change it, what a referendum is and its importance.

* The referendum on a voice to parliament is expected to be held between October and December this year.

Australian Associated Press