People In Australia Have Voted To Reject Including Indigenous People In Its Constitution In A Referendum
Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese gave a tearful, moving speech about not losing hope after a referendum on including Indigenous people in the country’s constitution failed to pass.
People in Australia have voted to reject including Indigenous people in its constitution in a referendum.
Currently, Australia’s constitution does not include any mention of Indigenous Australians, who have occupied the country for at least 65,000 years.
Indigenous Australians make up about 3.2% of Australia’s population but historically have been marginalized.
In June, the government announced that it would finally hold a referendum on altering its constitution to include Indigenous people.
Named “The Voice,” it asked Australians if they agree to create a committee of Indigenous representatives to advise on government policies that affect Indigenous people.
The referendum on Saturday Oct. 14 required the support of more than half eligible voters to pass.
But with almost 70% of the vote counted, the “No” vote led the “Yes vote” with 60% to 40%.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who had supported the “Yes” vote, said it was not the result he had hoped for but that the moment of disagreement does not define nor divide Australia.
He added that it was not the end of the road to reconciliation with Indigenous people and that the country would have to find a new way forward.
