Enrol to vote and have your say in the Federal Election
21 April 2016 

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) is urging Aboriginal people to enrol to vote in the upcoming Federal election.

The Federal election is likely to be held on Saturday, 2 July. Once the election date is formally announced, people only have one week to enrol or update their details before the rolls close.

It's vital that Aboriginal people have their say. Federal Government policies have a major impact on Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

The Federal Government is responsible for billions of dollars worth of programs in education, housing, training, health and other vital frontline services.

Much of the focus from Canberra has been on efforts to close the gap. While there have been some modest improvements in addressing the appalling inequities faced by Aboriginal people, the fact remains that Aboriginal people die 10 years younger than the general population.

In this election, Aboriginal people aged 18 years and over can vote and help keep our elected representatives accountable for the policies that impact on our lives - from health and education to constitutional recognition and partnerships with Aboriginal organisations.

Don't miss out on your chance to have your say on issues that affect you and your family.

Enrolment and voting facts

Before you can vote, you must be enrolled. If you are aged 16 or 17, you can enrol now to make sure you are set to vote when you turn 18.

Enrolling is easy - you can enrol or update your address online at www.aec.gov.au/Indigenous

Every time you move, you must update your address on the electoral roll, or your name could be removed and you will be unable to vote. You are eligible to enrol for your new address if you have lived there for at least one month.

You can collect forms at Australia Post or Electoral Commission offices. You'll need proof-of-ID (driver's licence, passport or someone already on the electoral roll who can confirm who you are).