The Voice to parliament referendum was defeated in a “thumping” result, with official numbers expected to widen even further as postal votes are counted.
Nine’s Chief Political Editor Charles Croucher said the result was largely consistent with polling, but said the Yes campaign would be disappointed with the magnitude of the votes that flowed against the referendum.
Of all the state and territories, the ACT was the only region to count a majority Yes vote.
”Six states voted No. In Queensland the return is 68 per cent at the moment. That will get higher. South Australia was in the high 60s. WA as well. The Northern Territory over 60 per cent No,” Croucher said.
“So, certainly this was a comprehensive result across the board. NSW and Victoria were both in the 50-odds.
“That is a thumping in any measure.”
In pictures: Australia votes on Voice to parliament referendum
Croucher said the “bigger picture” of the referendum wasn’t drawn on state or political lines, but of generational.
”Those on the polling booths would say younger people were more inclined to vote Yes. The polling says that,” he said.
“Then there’s the thing – the defining battle is this idea of the ‘streets versus the elites’ – that’s those that have versus those that haven’t.
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“Those wealthier educated suburbs vote yes, the Teal seats voted yes, and those outer Metropolitan regional seats in particular voted No.”
Croucher said the issue for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was addressing the issues which Australia has vocalised should take more prominence than the referendum.
”The one thing the Prime Minister has in his favour, which wasn’t in his favour during the campaign, is that this is for many Australians a lower order issue,” he said.
“Cost of living is the main thing at the moment.
“David Littleproud said on the show 10 minutes ago this won’t be a factor in two weeks, three weeks at Christmas time when you are worried about what to buy for Christmas rather than how you voted in October.”
Croucher said all the commentary in the lead up to election about the legitimacy of votes made with “ticks” or “crosses” turned out to be a non-issue.
“One final point. For all the pearl-clutching and hyperventilating about ticks and and crosses, remember that from people who should know better,” he said.
“The informal vote is a hair over 1 per cent. We are the envy of the world when it comes to elections. That’s something we should be proud of.”
