The Australian parliament has passed a bill to alter the constitution, paving the way for a referendum on an Indigenous Voice.

The bill received overwhelming support in the Senate, with 52 votes in favour and 19 against. 

The lower house had previously passed the legislation. The referendum is now expected to take place within the next two to six months.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his satisfaction with the bill's passage, stating on Twitter that it provides the Australian people with an opportunity to voice their support for recognition. 

Albanese emphasized the importance of acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country's constitution.

The Yes campaign, led by Dean Parkin, now plans to shift its focus to engaging with everyday Australians and highlighting the practical benefits of a successful referendum. 

Parkin stated that the referendum will help deliver tangible improvements and move Australia forward.

Opposition to the Indigenous voice proposal was voiced by Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who labelled it “dangerous and costly”. 

However, supporters of the bill, including Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney, stressed that a Yes vote would result in significant improvements for Indigenous Australians and mark a historic moment in the nation's history.

The bill's passage through the Senate was met with applause from the public gallery, which included Indigenous leaders and activists. 

The referendum now awaits the official campaign period, during which persuasive essays will be distributed to inform the public ahead of the vote.