What happened in Australia’s 2023 referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition?

In October 2023, Australia held a national referendum regarding the formal recognition of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution. The proposal sought to establish an Indigenous advisory body known as the "Voice to Parliament" to provide counsel to the government on policies affecting these communities.1

To succeed, the referendum required a "double majority"—the support of a majority of voters nationwide and a majority of voters in at least four of the six states.1

The outcome was a significant defeat for the proposal:
* Approximately 60 percent of participants voted against the measure.1
* The proposal failed to achieve a majority in any of the six states.1

While supporters, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, viewed the initiative as a vital step toward reconciliation, opponents argued that the proposal lacked sufficient detail or was unnecessary. The result was widely characterized as a major setback for the government and a profound disappointment for Australia's Indigenous peoples.1