Media release – Rebecca White MP, Tasmanian Labor Leader, 15 October 2023
Statement on the result of the Referendum
While it wasn’t the outcome we were hoping for, we accept the judgement of the Australian people.
I’d like to thank all the volunteers who gave so much time and energy to the Yes campaign.
As the Prime Minister made clear, our commitment to work with First Nations people and close the gap doesn’t end with this result, because there’s so much more that needs to be done.
Media release – Bridget Archer MP, Federal Member for Bass, 14 October 2023
Referendum 2023
Through our proud democratic process, Australians – and Tasmanians – have voted No in the Referendum.
As a vocal supporter and campaigner in the Yes campaign, I am naturally disappointed but of course, respect the decision of voters in Bass.
My heartbreak is reserved for the Indigenous members of our community who had fought for this recognition in the hope of a pathway to a better future. I had the great privilege of working and engaging with many of our First Nations people throughout this campaign and I am in awe of their grace through an incredibly difficult time. The campaign has been extremely challenging for many of them and I know the outcome will add to their pain.
Thank you to the Yes campaigners who have worked so hard and to our northern Tasmanian community for engaging in the Voice conversation in a respectful way, no matter their views on the Referendum.
The cause of reconciliation has been set back, badly, but it doesn’t end here. I am committed to continuing to walk with our First Nations people and our entire community towards a united country, where the hopes and dreams of all who live here are given the opportunity to flourish.
Statement – Reconciliation Tasmania Statement, 15 October 2023
Australia says No
Reconciliation Tasmania described yesterday’s referendum result as heartbreaking and shameful but said it would not be deterred in continuing the work of reconciliation.
In a joint statement, Reconciliation Tasmanian co-chair Beth Gilligan and Indigenous co-chair Clair Andersen said the No result was “part of the ongoing cycle of not listening to our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people and makes clear the work of reconciliation is needed more than ever”.
“We will persevere to address the unacceptable divide that exists in understandings of and attitudes toward Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander histories, status, needs and hopes.”
The effectiveness of a fierce misinformation campaign and last night’s result showed an urgent need for a much stronger community education strategy.
“Reconciliation Action Plans are one of the most strategic and practical ways we will continue to offer to educate people and work for grassroots change to bring our nation together.”
Reconciliation Tasmania takes comfort in the millions of Australians who have shown their commitment to the journey, and in Tasmania where hundreds of volunteers devoted themselves to a grassroots campaign around the state.
“We need to take time to process and reflect deeply on this result, but we remain determined to continue the journey of reconciliation in Tasmania and urge all Tasmanians to walk with us.”
