Melbourne

The majority no vote reflects a few things:

• Many are uncomfortable with race based provisions in the constitution ( the fact one is already there didn't mean we should add another - it's an argument to remove it).
• Australians don't trust politicians or activists and need a higher standard of proof that something is going to work before putting something in the constitution forever.
• While Australians are not against taking action to assist aboriginals in need (or anyone else for that matter), they are strongly committed to equality in law and in representation in the constitution. Any assistance targeted at particular groups should be accountable, specific and temporary. If an ill defined body is embedded forever and becomes untouchable no matter it's effectiveness, this creates conditions for corruption.
• Australians are practical people and are not easily moved by rhetoric.
• Australians will resist moralizing and condescension.
• Australians are tired of lip service, committees and reports saying the same thing.

What I find very disappointing about the Yes campaign and some yes voters is that they have taken no responsibility for the loss. There doesn't seem to be any consideration of the possibility that the Voice was not the best idea, or any consideration that the campaigning for it was poor. Instead everyone who voted no is branded as racist or dumb . There is an arrogance here which has ultimately led to what is shaping up to be a crushing defeat, and unfortunately this arrogance continues post mortem. Nor does there seem to be much respect for the will of the people, which the outcome of this referendum represents.

What I would expect the government to say at this point : "We fucked up and we take accountability. We ran a very needless, damaging and divisive referendum. We need to find a better way to address the gap that involves the government actually doing their job, starting Monday".