Codes of Practice and the Voice Referendum

Community broadcasting will be an important source for accurate education and engagement with the issues in the Voice Referendum and a safe place for discussion that serves the interests of our communities. Our sector also needs to be mindful that the issues and debates around the Referendum will necessarily touch on sensitive and deep-seated issues for First Nations communities and have the potential to cause hurt and distress for those directly affected by the outcome.

The Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (the “Codes”) don’t prevent broadcasters from taking a position on any side of debate, as long as the coverage otherwise complies with obligations around accuracy, viewpoints, anti-discrimination and involvement of Indigenous Australians in the production of programs that focus on their issues.

The most relevant Codes in this context are Codes 3.3, 3.6 and 4 and they apply to all broadcasts.

For help with complying with Code 3.6 when broadcasting news and current affairs around the Voice Referendum, see Getting the Facts Right [ DOCX] [ PDF].

For help with ensuring respectful coverage that avoids stereotyping and discrimination in line with Code 3.3 and addresses Indigenous protocols in line with Code 4, see Respectful Reporting.

Click here to return to the home page of the CBAA's guidance on the Voice referendum.