Australians will soon learn when they will head to the polls to decide on enshrining an Indigenous voice in the constitution, with the prime minister set to announce the date of the referendum next week.

Anthony Albanese will reveal the date in Adelaide next Wednesday, kick-starting the campaign for constitutional change.

It’s widely expected the referendum will be held on October 14, preceded by a six-week campaign.

Mr Albanese said the referendum would be a chance for the country to make meaningful change.

“Very soon, our nation will have a once in a generation chance to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution – and make a positive difference to their lives with a voice,” he said in a statement.

“To celebrate our shared history and build a better shared future. Nothing to lose, everything to gain.

“Next week the date will be announced. I will be campaigning for constitutional recognition. Because if not now, when.”

The announcement of the referendum date in South Australia comes after the ‘yes’ camp formally launched its campaign in the state earlier this year.

The location also holds significance, with the 1967 referendum that allowed for Indigenous people to be counted in the census also being launched in South Australia.

The prime minister had only previously hinted that the referendum would be held at some point between October and December.

“Every Australian will get a say in this,” Mr Albanese said.

“Every Australian will have the opportunity to vote ‘yes’ for a practical, positive difference in people’s lives.”

The Indigenous voice poll will be the first referendum held in Australia since the country voted on whether it should become a republic in 1999.

By Andrew Brown in Canberra