Australia rejects indigenous voice referendum seeking to amend 122-year-old constitution

Australia, in a significant setback in its reconciliation efforts with the Indigenous population, rejected a referendum to recognise Indigenous people in the country's constitution on Saturday (Oct 14).

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said,"Australians have not voted for a change to the constitution," and added, "We very much respect this result."

This comes as polls opened in the Oceania region in which Australians began voting on a referendum for Indigenous rights.According to the media reports, fourstates—New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia—have projected to vote "No" on the proposal.

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This referendum was a hope for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have been facing various challenges for centuries.

This spans from higher rates of illness, premature mortality and imprisonment in comparison to their more affluent white compatriots.

It is worth noting that in Australia, a successful referendum requires the approval of at least four out of the six states, along with a national majority.

The referendum question

Australians were asked to express their support or opposition on a ballot paper to a question that aimed to amend the 122-year-old constitution.

The proposed amendment sought to formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and establish an Indigenous advisory body known as the "Voice to Parliament," tasked with providing advice on Indigenous issues to the government.

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With only45 per cent of the vote counted nationwide, the "No" campaign was leading with 57.35 per cent compared to the "Yes" campaign's 42.65 per cent.

Australia's Indigenous population, constituting 3.8 per cent of the country's 26 million people, has a history of approximately 60,000 years on the land.

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However, they are not mentioned in the current constitution and various socio-economic measures indicate they are among the most disadvantaged groups in the nation, reported Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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