The ABC has learned the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will today announce Australians not already on the electoral roll will have until August 24 to register with the Australian Electoral Commission.

Acting Special Minister of State Mathias Cormann confirmed to the ABC's RN program that the Government wanted to provide as much time as possible for people to register and be given their say.

Senator Cormann defended the role of the ABS, saying the Government would be working with the ABS on rules to ensure the process is fair.

"This is now going to be a matter for the ABS to determine," Senator Cormann said.

In normal federal elections run by the Australian Electoral Commission registration closes seven days after writs.

For the postal vote, people have 14 days from today to enrol to vote, if they have not already, or update their details if they have changed since the last election.

The ABS will run the process with ballot papers going to every enrolled Australian from next month, to be returned by November 7 and a result on November 25. Read more via ABC