The federal government has announced more than $1 million in funding for a neutral civics education program ahead of the first referendum in close to 30 years.
A referendum will be held between October and December this year in which all Australians will vote on whether to create a permanent independent advisory body called an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The funding for the civics campaign will be split between two organisations and used to create educational materials for digital platforms, libraries and other public institutions in the lead-up to the referendum.
The bulk of the money will go to the Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA), which will receive $1 million.
The non-government organisation has been running since 1995 and has a long history of delivering curriculum materials and education campaigns around Australia's constitution.
CEFA chief executive Kerry Jones says the organisation can deliver a "comprehensive" range of materials.
"We welcome the opportunity to provide essential information to Australians about the referendum process, the workings of the constitution and our system of government," Mrs Jones said.
"The Constitution Education Fund Australia will present the information in an attractive and comprehensive format to a wide range of electors."
The Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) will also play a role in the civics education program, receiving $475,000.
MoAD director Stephanie Bull says the investment will play a key role in engaging the public with the referendum process.
"Museum of Australian Democracy events, exhibitions and public programs encourage thousands of visitors to improve their understanding of democracy and give them the skills required to contribute to it," Ms Bull said.
"This funding will enable MoAD to develop digital content that reaches people across the nation, enabling Australians to actively participate in their democracy."
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney says the need for broad education around Australia's constitution and the referendum process is needed partly because many people won't be familiar with the referendum process.
"For many Australians this will be the first referendum they've ever participated in, and it's crucial they have the facts to make an informed decision," Ms Burney said.
"Both the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Constitution Education Fund Australia are established and trusted organisations with existing channels that can reach and teach people across the country about the constitution and referendum processes.
"Delivering this civics program will ensure all Australians can contribute respectfully and knowledgeably to the national conversation about the referendum before voting day."
