SYDNEY: In a significant and polarizing referendum, Australia has overwhelmingly rejected a proposal aimed at providing greater political rights to Indigenous people. The referendum, known as “The Voice,” sought to amend the constitution to formally recognize First Nations people and establish an advisory body for them to advise the government.
With all six states voting against the proposal, the “No” vote led the “Yes” vote by 60% to 40%. This outcome marks Australia’s first referendum in nearly a quarter of a century and follows a contentious and often bitter campaign.
Supporters of the referendum argued that constitutional recognition of Indigenous peoples would bring unity to Australia and usher in a new era. They saw the creation of an advisory body as a vital step towards reconciliation.
In contrast, opponents, mainly from the “No” campaign, viewed the idea as divisive. They contended that it would create special classes of citizens, leading to inequality and slowed government decision-making. The “No” campaign faced criticism for its appeal to undecided voters with a “Don’t know? Vote no” message and for spreading misinformation about the potential effects of the plan.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the defeat, stating, “When you aim high, sometimes you fall short.” He emphasized that the disagreement should not divide Australians but rather serve as an opportunity to address Indigenous issues and move forward as a united nation.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton considered the result “good for our country” and asserted that Australia did not need such a divisive referendum.
The referendum, also known as “The Voice to Parliament,” was based on the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 document crafted by Indigenous leaders outlining a roadmap for reconciliation with the broader Australian population. Despite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people making up 3.8% of Australia’s population and having inhabited the country for around 60,000 years, they are not mentioned in the constitution and face significant socio-economic disadvantages.
The rejection of the referendum highlights the complexities of addressing Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia. The “No” campaign’s slogan, “divisive Voice,” resonated with voters, ultimately leading to the proposal’s downfall.
While all sides of the debate called for a period of national unity and reflection following the referendum, advocates for Indigenous rights expressed their disappointment, fearing that it might be perceived as another rejection of their aspirations.
Despite the referendum’s outcome, proponents of the “Yes” campaign underscored their intentions to strengthen Australia’s Indigenous culture and contribute to the nation’s broader identity. They emphasized that their goal was not to take away from non-Indigenous Australians but to add to and enrich the country’s cultural tapestry.
