Australia looks for new ways to lift Indigenous living standards after referendum loss

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Australia is exploring alternative strategies to enhance the living standards of its Indigenous population following a resounding defeat of a proposal to establish a new advocacy committee, according to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. Despite widespread rejection, except for the Australian Capital Territory, of a constitutional amendment to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, the government remains committed to reducing the eight-year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous Australians and the wider community.

Marles stated, “The specific steps forward from this point require careful consideration, and I believe people can appreciate that.” He also emphasized that the referendum’s outcome has intensified the call for action to bridge the gap in Indigenous welfare.

Indigenous Voice proponents expressed their disappointment by flying Aboriginal flags at half-staff across the country. They had hoped that the Voice would lead to improved government service delivery and better outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Australians, comprising only 3.8% of the population, face alarming statistics, including a suicide rate twice the national average, higher incarceration rates, and health disparities in remote areas. Despite receiving majority support in Outback polling stations in the Northern Territory, where the Indigenous population is most concentrated, the referendum failed to gain traction overall.

Critics of the Voice attributed its defeat to opposition lawmakers who spread misinformation. Indigenous academic Marcia Langton, involved in drafting the proposal, accused opposition leader Peter Dutton of perpetuating racism through his “no” campaign.

Dutton, in turn, accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of dividing Australians by holding the referendum, asserting that it was unnecessary and should have aimed to unite the country. Albanese placed blame on Dutton’s campaigning for the measure’s failure, highlighting that no referendum has succeeded without the major parties’ support.

Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians and an Aboriginal herself, acknowledged the challenging nature of the referendum campaign. She encouraged Indigenous people to take pride in their identity, culture, and their place in the country’s history.

This marks the second time Australians have rejected a referendum recognizing Indigenous people in the constitution. In 1999, a proposal to include a symbolic preamble acknowledging Indigenous heritage was also defeated. With 37 referendums rejected since the constitution’s inception 122 years ago, successful constitutional amendments in Australia have been rare, with none passing since 1977.

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