Voice to parliament referendum fails in defeat that Indigenous advocates will see as a blow to progress towards reconciliation

Australians have resoundingly rejected a proposal to recognise Aboriginal people in its constitution and establish a body to advise parliament on Indigenous issues.

Saturday’s voice to parliament referendum failed, with the defeat clear shortly after polls closed.

  • Edgelord_Of_Tomorrow@lemmy.worldEnglish
    112·
    9 months ago

    Not really. This is a tragedy but historically referendums in Australia only pass with bipartisan support.

    Also historically, the side that wins the referendum doesn’t win the next election, because our referendums are zero-sum yes or no choices akin to FPTP elections which favours American-style extreme politics, whereas our general elections employ preferential voting and compulsory suffrage which requires potential governments to appeal to the political centre. The referendum has shown people who the opposition party really are, and they won’t be able to walk that back.

    • Welt@lazysoci.alEnglish
      41·
      9 months ago

      Tragedy’s a bit maudlin, but otherwise totally agree with your point about referenda being like a dry run FPTP early election.