Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that a referendum will be held on October 14 to change the Constitution to recognize the country's indigenous peoples.

He said that on that day, every Australian will have a "once in a generation chance to bring our country together, and to change it for the better."

A "yes" vote would establish a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice that would give the country's First Peoples a say in key policies that affect them.

Indigenous Australians account for about three percent of the population. They still face disadvantages, including discrimination and poor outcomes in health and education.

Opinion polls showed that many Australians supported the plan in April. But a survey conducted last month showed 41 percent of respondents supported the plan, while 48 percent opposed it.