Australia’s voice debate is being flooded with misinformation and lies. Here are some facts

‘The Indigenous voice to parliament may be sunk by politicians who have never provided a viable alternative plan except a vague referendum do-over not supported by their own party members.’ Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

It’s 31 days until a vote on the voice to parliament and the zone is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies. As millions of Australians begin to turn their attention to the referendum, much of what they are seeing and hearing has nothing to do with the question they will be asked on 14 October.

So let’s clear up a few things amid the noise of the current debate. It may be tempting to switch off – and for First Nations people, it can be essential at a time when they feel like Australia is publicly pondering their right to exist in their own country – but before you do, consider these basic principles.