Australia Refuses Constitutional Recognition for Indigenous People

The much-debated proposal to formally recognise Indigenous Australians in the nation's constitution suffered a disappointing defeat on Saturday. Despite hopes for a significant progression towards reconciliation, the nationwide referendum resulted in a decisive 'No' suppressed the 'Yes' votes by 57.35% to 42.65%.

Preemptive projections, based on 45% of the counted votes, suggested four pivotal Australian states—New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia—all rejecting the constitutional amendment. Given that a successful referendum needs a majority approval from both national votes and at least four out of the six states, the alteration stood rejected while Western Australia was still casting ballots.

The proposed amendment focused on recognising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples by incorporating the Indigenous advisory body, The Voice, into the parliament's framework. Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo voiced his dismay at the outcome and emphasised the essential need for 'The Voice' to effect structural change.

Australia's Indigenous people, a mere 3.8% of the total population of 26 million, have existed on the lands for nearly 60,000 years. Yet, their citizenship remains inconspicuous in the constitution, and socioeconomic indicators paint them as the country's most disadvantaged group. Academics and rights advocates fear that this referendum setback could stall reconciliation endeavours for years to come.

The Voice, proposed in the 2017 Uluru Statement From the Heart, offered a blueprint for Indigenous reconciliation. Supporters championed for this constitutional integration, interpreting it as the threshold into an era of unity and inclusion for Indigenous Australians.

The political resistance, however, labelled the proposal as diversionary and challenged its effectiveness, arguing it would obstruct governmental functions.

This symbolic defeat marks the ninth unsuccessful referendum out of 44 since Australia's inception in 1901 and could tarnish Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's tenure. Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for unity to discover a new path towards Indigenous inclusion and reconciliation.