Indigenous TV anchor and Yes supporter Brooke Boney has revealed why she covered the Voice referendum despite polls warning of a No victory.
The presenter headed Channel Nine’s live coverage of the referendum with Peter Overton on Saturday night.
Australia voted No to the proposed change to the constitution, with every state rejecting the proposal and only the ACT voting Yes as the vote count continues.
Boney revealed she wanted to be present to convey the results of the referendum to Indigenous people despite whether the Yes or No vote succeeded.
‘I have a message for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers, as a Kamilaroi woman I wanted to be here tonight to deliver the results to you, regardless of the outcome,’ she said.
Indigenous TV presenter Brooke Boney (pictured) revealed she wanted to ‘be there’ to deliver the results of the Voice referendum in an emotional message to First Nations people
The presenter headed Channel Nine’s live coverage of the referendum with Peter Overton on Saturday night
‘I wanted to be here to remind you all of the love we have for one another – a love that has served us for the last 60,000 years to be the longest-continuing culture of anywhere in the world.’
‘That does not happen by accident.’
Boney reflected on the divisiveness brought out during the debate around the Voice and encouraged the community to move forward together with a sense of hope.
‘This is a discussion that has, at times, been inspiring and at times been ugly. We’ve seen the best and the worst of people during this campaign.’
‘As the sun sets on polling day, it will rise again tomorrow and our work continues – to make sure our babies are loved, our Elders are cared for and our community is strong.
‘To all of you at home tonight, I say goodnight.’
Boney posted the video of her emotional on-air message to her Instagram page.
Her followers expressed their sympathies with the TV presenter and their sadness over the final result.
‘Really well done Brooke. Thinking of you and all of Australia’s First People tonight,’ said one.
‘Brooke, I have no words. Holding The First Nations people of Australia in my heart tonight as best I can’ said another.
‘I am heartbroken for you and for every Australian who held hope.’
A third added: ‘So disappointed with this outcome. So sorry to all Indigenous people.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney addressed the nation at Parliament House after the referendum was called.
Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney addressed the nation at Parliament House after the referendum was called
The Prime Minister vowed his government would continue to fight to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by working to ‘close the gap’ and advancing reconciliation
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while it wasn’t the result he had hoped for, he respects the overwhelming decision of the Australian people.
‘When we reflect on everything happening in the world today, we can all give thanks that here in Australia we make the big decisions peacefully and as equals, with one vote, one value,’ he said.
‘I never imagined or indeed said that it would be easy. Very few things in public life worth doing are.’
Visibly emotional after the outcome, Mr Albanese vowed his government would continue to fight to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by working to ‘close the gap’ and advance reconciliation.
‘Our nation’s Road to reconciliation has often been hard going, steep climbs, the ground uncertain, the headwinds powerful, the way forward difficult to navigate,’ Mr Albanese said.
‘But through the decades there have been hard moments, moments of hard-won progress as well.
‘That’s why I say tonight is not the end of the road and is certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together.
‘The issues we sought to address have not gone away, and neither have the people of goodwill and good heart who want to address them.’
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