A new Essential Poll showed the Yes campaign has gained ground for the first time in months, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese maintained the referendum was “certainly winnable.”
According to the poll, run by Guardian Australia, 43 per cent of those surveyed will vote in favour of the Voice to Parliament on October 14, up two points since the last measure of support.
The result sees the gap in support to the No campaign fall to just six points, with 49 per cent of respondents indicating their disapproval for the proposal. It leaves eight per cent undecided with less than two weeks before the day of the vote.
Speaking to ABC Radio on Tuesday morning, Mr Albanese hailed the result as he maintained his belief Australians would “come together” after the referendum passed.
“I’m very hopeful. And there’s a positive sign today with the Essential Poll that is heading in the right direction,” he said.
“Australians when they focus on the very gracious request of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to just simply recognise them in our nation’s founding document. And secondly, to have a non-binding advisory group to advise them on matters affecting their lives so that we get better results (will vote yes). And I’m hoping that a Yes result will be declared on the 14th.
“Then on the 15th, I think the country will certainly come together just as it did after the Apology to the Stolen Generation.”
Despite months of polls showing declining support for the voice, Mr Albanese insisted the referendum was “certainly winnable,” explaining that he had seen positive one-on-one conversations between Yes supporters and undecided voters.
Many in the Yes campaign have argued those conversations will make a big difference come polling day, as the campaign kicks up a gear during the final stretch.
The Prime Minister echoed that sentiment, saying those he had asked to read the question on the ballot had concluded it was reasonable and aligned with the “Australian principle of a fair go”.
Mr Albanese is currently touring Tasmania as he aims to drum up further support for the Voice, with early voting now open across the country.
(SKY NEWS)
