Australia's defeated voice - 13th November 2023

Following years of debate, Australians have voted 'no' in a referendum. The public voted if indigenous communities should have a special place in the country's constitution.

The referendum planned to form a special group of indigenous people called 'The Voice'. This group would have a permanent place in parliament and represent indigenous communities.

The proposal was widely supported during the campaign. However, in most regions the majority of people voted against it. Only Australia's Capital Territory and 80 percent of indigenous peoples voted for The Voice.

Those who supported the proposal believe it would solve the widespread poverty and low standards of living within indigenous communities. The Voice could advise parliament on these matters which affect these communities.

However, those who opposed the proposal were concerned about how it would affect the policy making process. They claimed that it would result in racial divisions.

Some people blamed Russia for the results. Sydney University's expert on disinformation, Olga Boichak believes that misinformation online might be responsible. However, online political micro-influencer Simeon Boikov opposed this. He claimed, "The Voice has nothing to do with Russia or Vladimir Putin."

Although this referendum was defeated, The Voice remains a future possibility. Similar groups of indigenous representation have existed since the 1970s, with the last discontinued in 2019.

Dean Parkin, supported The Voice. He said, "All we have wanted was to join with you our indigenous story, our indigenous culture and to not take away or diminish what you have but to add to it."