'Kindness costs nothing', says Australian PM in final plea ahead of Indigenous referendum

FILE PHOTO: A woman holds up a 'Yes' supporting sign during the 'Walk for Yes', hosted by the Yes23 campaign for Australia's upcoming referendum on Indigenous issues, at the Todd River in Alice Springs, Australia, September 17, 2023. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a final plea to vote in favour of recognising Indigenous people in the constitution in a referendum on Saturday, as opinion polls show the vote is set to fail.

Australians have to vote 'Yes' or 'No' to a question asking whether they agree to alter the 122-year-old constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, and create an Indigenous body, called the Voice to Parliament, that can provide advice to the government on Indigenous issues.