It was ostensibly to announce a date for the referendum. There were great cheers and much applause when Albanese declared the referendum would be held on October 14.

It was,however,a small reveal – almost anyone who cared had known for days.

The announcement of a date for the first referendum this century,in truth,had a distinct scent of an election campaign launch about it.

And indeed,there are plenty of political consequences riding on it,despite the absence of any looming election.

The 1967 referendum had the great benefit of support from all sides of parliament. Arthur Calwell’s Labor opposition threw its weight behind Harold Holt’s Coalition,meaning that Yes campaign was all but untroubled by politics.

But this time,the federal opposition,led by Peter Dutton,has famously said No,and conservatives across the nation have taken to chanting “if you don’t know,vote no”,as if somehow the proposed Voice is beyond understanding.

The Coalition has transformed a proposal that came from Indigenous communities across the land,condensed in the one-page Uluru Statement From the Heart,into a political battle,with fallout awaiting either Dutton or Albanese,or both,depending on the result.

Thus Albanese’s choice of black suit and sober tie and the carefully weighed words,beginning with the declaration that the Voice proposal is supported by serious Australians everywhere.

“My fellow Australians,” Albanese began,as politicians seeking gravitas tend to do,“for many years,Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have advocated for constitutional recognition through a Voice.

“Our government,along with every single state and territory government,has committed to it.

“Legal experts have endorsed it.

“People on all sides of the parliament have backed it. Faith groups and sporting codes and local councils and businesses and unions have embraced it. An army of volunteers from every part of this great nation are throwing all of their energy behind it.

“Now,my fellow Australians,you can vote for it.”

And as for claims the Voice was complicated with unpredictable results,Albanese laid out the provisions – “recognition,listening to advice,parliament continuing as decision maker” and proclaimed that it was all perfectly “straightforward,clear and unambiguous”.

Finally,there was the rallying cry,necessary to launch all campaigns.

“Have those conversations with your family and friends,your parents and grandparents,” he advised.

“With your energy and enthusiasm,this referendum can be won. And when Yes wins,all Australians will win. So in a spirit of generosity and optimism,vote Yes. In recognition of 65,000 years of history,vote Yes! With hope for a better future,vote Yes!”

And so a campaign for hearts and minds has begun.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news,views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weeklyInside Politics newsletter here.