Australians have relinquished this Saturday the government proposal for the recognition of Aboriginal people in the Australian Constitution in force since 1901. 78.67% of citizens voted, almost 14 million people, and the vast majority opposed the amendment that the country of Australian origin would have officially adopted in the Constitution and for which it had established a parliamentary advisory council. 40% voted in favour, almost five and a half million people, but the opponents have exceeded 60%, about 8,300,000 votes. In all the States of the country the refusal prevailed and it has made it impossible for the proposal to be accepted, since the electoral law required a double victory, both in national votes and in the States, at least in four out of six. Surveys conducted in March this year indicated that three-quarters of Australians would vote in favour. They didn't get it right.

The main objective of the amendment was to set up a committee to give voice to countries of Australian origin. This committee would provide independent advice to the Government and Parliament on matters relating to peoples of origin. It would also enable them to participate more in decision-making. 3.8 per cent of Australia ' s 26 million inhabitants originate.

The amendment to the Constitution was the electoral promise of Anthony Albanes, current Prime Minister. Before he learned the outcome, he said that the amendment was going to be a “big step forward,” but after acknowledging the failure, he said that it was “depressed” but “fully respects” the decision of the Australian people and its “democratic process.”

The indigenous Australians have on more than one occasion expressed their "inability" to face structural problems. These problems include the lower life expectancy of indigenous people compared to other Australians, the lower levels of health and education and the higher prison rates. Only 11 of the 227 members of the Australian Senate and Parliament are Aboriginal.