1 April, 2025

As you may be aware, the Federal Election was officially called last Friday, with polling day now confirmed as Saturday, 3 May 2025.

The right to vote has been a hard-won right for Aboriginal peoples.  For much of the 20th century, Aboriginal people were denied the right to vote, and it took generations of advocacy and courage to change that.

This year is the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Ride, serving as a timely reminder of the relentless struggle for equal rights, as well as remembering those who helped galvanise national support for change.  

The 1965 Freedom Ride built on decades of resistance, from Uncle William Cooper’s 1930s petition for Aboriginal representation in Parliament, to the efforts of Aboriginal leaders like Aunty Pearl Gibbs in the 1940s and 1950s, who campaigned for full citizenship and voting rights.  Their tireless work contributed to the 1962 change of the Commonwealth Electoral Act that allowed all Aboriginal people to vote in federal elections. 

This is an important time to have your say and honour the legacy of those who fought for change.  By voting in the upcoming election, you have the opportunity to choose the representatives you think will best represent your views in Parliament.

To ensure you are fully enrolled and ready to vote, we encourage all Aboriginal peoples across NSW and beyond to check their enrolment status with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). It’s important to ensure that your personal details, including your name, address, and postal information, are up to date.

If you are 16 or 17 you are able to enrol now for when you turn 18 and can vote.

How to enrol to vote

You can enrol online via this link: https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/

In order to enrol, you will need one of the following:

• Australian driver license number
• Australian passport number
• Medicare card details
• Australian citizenship number
• Someone who is currently enrolled confirm your identity

Please note, 18+ or Proof of Age cards are not accepted.

Alternatively, you can apply using paper forms which can be downloaded here.

Checking your enrolment status

You can check the status of your enrolment here.

Updating your enrolment details

If you have changed address and/or your name has changed since you last voted, you can update your details via this link https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/update-my-details.htm

Enrolments and updates must be completed by 8pm local time, Monday 7 April 2025.

How to vote

If this is your first time voting, or you need a refresher on how to understand what is on your ballot paper when you arrive at your local polling centre, you can access information here: https://www.aec.gov.au/voting/how_to_vote/

This Network Message is not just about participating in a democratic process – it’s about ensuring the voices of Aboriginal peoples are heard, and that we are represented and counted at every level of decision-making.

If you’re engaging with community members in your work, school or socially, please help spread the message and encourage enrolment checks where appropriate at aec.gov.au.

Thank you for your continued support in empowering our communities to be active in shaping the future of Aboriginal peoples across NSW and beyond.