Australian Electoral Commission

Overview

Ethnolink partnered with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to deliver a landmark project: the translation and communication of the 2023 Referendum Booklet into 13 First Nations languages. The aim was to ensure First Nations communities—particularly in rural and remote areas where English is not the primary language—could access and understand the proposed constitutional changes, enabling informed participation in the national vote. Ethnolink provided end-to-end support across translation, stakeholder engagement, and audio production, helping to make the referendum accessible to communities often excluded from mainstream information channels.

Challenge

Many First Nations communities face considerable barriers to accessing essential information due to language and cultural differences. In the lead-up to the referendum, there was limited time to produce high-quality translations in a large number of First Nations languages. The challenge was to deliver linguistically accurate and culturally appropriate resources quickly—while ensuring authenticity, clarity, and community trust throughout the process.

Solution

Ethnolink led a collaborative approach, working closely with First Nations linguists and stakeholders to establish best-practice translation methods and ensure community consultation was embedded at every stage. We delivered both written translations and in-language audio recordings across 13 First Nations languages, enabling accessibility for individuals with varying levels of literacy. All resources were integrated into the AEC’s online platforms and used by mobile information teams on the ground to engage directly with remote communities. The materials were designed to build trust, reduce confusion, and promote active participation in the referendum process.

Services:

Research & Strategy
Translations

Audiences:

First Nations

First Nations Translations for the Referendum