Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Lingiari for her question and for her extraordinary work representing remote communities in Central Australia, in Arnhem Land and in places like Wadeye and other communities, communities where we see the massive gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia. The referendum on Saturday did not return the result that I'd hoped for, but I respect the decision and the democratic process that produced it. In this country, we can make the big decisions peacefully and as equals. We know that referendums are hard. That's why only eight of 45 have passed, none without bipartisan support. I certainly accept responsibility for the decisions that I have taken.

This was a constitutional change asked for, requested—an invitation from Indigenous Australians. I accepted that invitation and I followed through on the commitments that I made. Australians did not accept the constitutional change that was proposed, but no-one is arguing for the status quo. No-one can say that just keeping doing the same thing is good enough for Australia. What has occurred in recent times is a much greater national awareness. We need to channel that into a national purpose to find the answers. The referendum was about listening to people and about getting better outcomes, and these principles will continue to guide me.

I will continue to listen to people and to communities and consult with Indigenous Australians about a way forward—

See this speech in context