Australians have six weeks to make a decision on the voice. It needs to be based on facts, not fear

‘The modest proposal that Indigenous Australians be recognised in the constitution and empowered to advise policymakers on issues affecting them is tangled in polarising attacks and unrelated allegations'.’ Photograph: Tamati Smith/Getty Images

A year ago opinion polls showed the Indigenous voice referendum had overwhelming voter approval.

Now, as the prime minister names the referendum date, the modest proposal – that Indigenous Australians be recognised in the constitution and empowered to advise policymakers on issues affecting them – is tangled in polarising attacks and unrelated allegations that threaten to derail decades of work towards reconciliation.