Prime minister Anthony Albanese has vowed that the failure of the Voice referendum will not “define us or divide us” as a nation.
The referendum delivered a no to a proposal to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body and recognising First Nations peoples in the Constitution this evening.
Although the official result is still days away from being announced by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), the likelihood of the country seeing the required double majority for the referendum to pass is impossible.
Speaking from Parliament House in Canberra, Albanese pledged his government will remain committed to writing the next chapter in reconciliation with First Nations people.
“Our government will continue to seek better outcomes for Indigenous Australians and their children and generations to come,” Albanese said.
“Maintain your hope and know that you are loved.
“The historic fact that Australia’s story is 65,000 years old remains a source of national pride and remains a fact.”
Albanese said while it was not the result he had hoped for he “respects” the decision made by Australia’s voters.
“Just as the Uluru Statement from the Heart was an invitation extended with humility, grace and optimism for the future, tonight we must meet this result with the same grace and humility,” he said.
