Australian Indigenous leaders have called for a week of silence and reflection following the decisive rejection of a referendum by the majority of the population. More than 60% of Australians voted “No” in the landmark referendum that aimed to recognize the First Peoples in the constitution. The referendum proposed the creation of an Indigenous advisory body known as the “Voice to Parliament”.
The outcome of the referendum is considered a setback for reconciliation efforts with the country’s Indigenous community and for Australia’s international reputation in how it addresses the rights of First Nations people. Unlike Canada and New Zealand, Australia has yet to formally recognize or establish a treaty with its First Peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people contribute 3.8% to Australia’s population of 26 million and have occupied the land for approximately 60,000 years. Despite this, they are not mentioned in the constitution and are among the most disadvantaged groups in the country based on various socio-economic indicators.
Expressing their disappointment, Indigenous leaders released a statement on social media platforms, highlighting the bitter irony of newcomers refusing to acknowledge those who have been on the continent for thousands of years. As a symbolic acknowledgment of the referendum result, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flag will be lowered to half-mast for the week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had heavily supported the Voice referendum, but critics argue that it was his biggest misstep since assuming power in May last year. Opposition leader Peter Dutton described the referendum as unnecessary and claimed that it only served to divide the nation.
However, the lack of bipartisan support was one of the major reasons for the referendum’s failure, as leaders of the major conservative parties campaigned for a “No” vote. In Australia, no referendum has succeeded without bipartisan backing.
In their statement, Indigenous leaders raise the question of the role of racism and prejudice against Indigenous people in the outcome of the referendum. They urge all Australians who participated in the election to deeply reflect on this matter.
