Outcome of Voice Referendum

The nation will be hurt by the defeat of this referendum. Yet this is not the end of reconciliation. This was not a vote against Indigenous people.

Reconciliation with Australia’s First People sits amongst the nation’s highest priorities.

This referendum, no matter how well intentioned, has produced a disappointing but predictable result.

This is not a time for recriminations, but it is critical that we learn the lessons from this undertaking. As pointed out during 2022 and 2023, a successful product was only going to be shaped by a coherent, collaborative and centrist process.

The government made three fateful decisions which hobbled the referendum by removing the centre ground:

The refusal to establish a long running parliamentary inquiry into constitutional reform models;

Not publishing an exposure draft of the Voice and its functions; and

The failure to compromise.

Regrettably, these factors were consequential.

I feel for the Australians who believe in a grassroots structure for giving advice to the government on special laws and policies for Indigenous people. This has always been a good and fair idea. We should always listen to the grassroots.

The reality is Australia is a great country, but historically, we have not been a great country for Indigenous people.

Reconciliation of our nation must continue. We should work harder to listen to one another, find common ground and make compromises if we are to achieve the necessary changes.

The immediate task in the weeks and the months ahead will be to listen to Indigenous people.

For now, the nation is hurt and we have much to reflect upon.