Speculation Grows on Labor's Voice Revival Amidst Public Rejection

Labor Party leaders have sent mixed signals regarding the future of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament following its rejection in a recent referendum. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asserted that the Voice is 'gone' and respects the referendum outcome, Foreign Minister Penny Wong suggested on a podcast that the Voice may eventually become accepted, likening it to the once-contentious issue of marriage equality. Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Sport, reinforced that the specific model taken to the referendum is finished, but hinted that new approaches to supporting First Nations people remain possible. These remarks have sparked criticism from the opposition, who claim Labor may pursue the Voice through other means, and from parties like One Nation, who argue that Labor is out of touch with Australians' priorities amid economic hardship. The ongoing discussion highlights persistent divisions over Indigenous recognition and the role of constitutional change versus legislative or policy measures.