General News
19 October, 2023
Voice vote given big thumbs down in shire
AUSTRALIANS should not be distinguished by their heritage, Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said after rejection of the Federal Government’s Voice referendum, at the weekend. The move to recognise indigenous Australians in the Constitution was...
AUSTRALIANS should not be distinguished by their heritage, Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said after rejection of the Federal Government’s Voice referendum, at the weekend.
The move to recognise indigenous Australians in the Constitution was supported by less than 40 per cent of voters.
In the Mallee electorate, official Australian Electoral Commission figures updated on Tuesday showed 79.19 per cent voted against the proposal.
In Loddon booths, the strongest “no” votes were 88 per cent at Dingee and 86 per cent at Calivil with Bridgewater, Boort and Pyramid Hill also 80 per cent or more.
The lowest vote against the Voice was 72 per cent in Serpentine and Tarnagulla.
No informal votes were recorded at Bridgewater, Calivil and Serpentine.
Mr Walsh, who is also the Nationals’ Victorian leader, said Saturday’s result emphasised his party’s call for unity in Victoria.
“We’re all Australians, no matter our heritage,” Mr Walsh said.
“Now, Victorians and the nation have spoken, it’s time for Labor governments to focus on real issues and solutions.
“Let’s close the gap in life outcomes which deny so many Indigenous people the dignity and equality of opportunity they deserve. Our communities also need action on the cost of living, housing, road safety, and equal education opportunities.
“With the divisive referendum behind us, the real work begins now.”
Mallee MP Anne Webster said: “Australia has spoken. Thank you one and all for your participation. Our democracy is so incredible, we can justifiably trust that we get it right.
“This is not the end of the road to close the gap. On the contrary together we will work toward better outcomes for those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable regardless of their race,” Dr Webster said.
Voter turnout in Mallee was 82.80 per cent of the enrolment, - 100,785 voters compared with 108,342 at the federal election in May last year.
Booth Yes No Inf Total
Bealiba 27 103 1 131
Pre-poll Bendigo 88 235 1 324
Boort 110 462 6 578
Bridgewater 53 209 0 262
Calivil 19 117 0 136
Charlton 128 496 5 629
Dingee 20 143 1 164
Dunolly 130 359 2 491
Inglewood 134 465 1 600
Newbridge 50 184 2 236
Pyramid Hill 72 312 5 389
Quambatook 29 124 1 154
Serpentine 40 116 0 156
Tarnagulla 40 120 1 161
Wedderburn 160 556 4 720