Australians will vote on October 14 on whether they want to change the constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait island people.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the date for the landmark referendum in Adelaide on Wednesday, describing it as a once-in-a-generation chance to unite the nation.

“​​October 14 is our time…it’s our chance,” Albanese said. “It’s a moment calling out to the best of our Australian character. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people this has been a marathon. For all of us, it is now a sprint.”

Australians will now face a six-week campaign before voting in the referendum, where they would be asked whether they support altering the constitution to include a “Voice to Parliament”, an Indigenous committee to advise federal parliament on matters affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.

Any change to Australia’s constitution requires a national referendum.