Australia has said NO loud and clear to the Voice, writes JACINTA NAMPIJINPA PRICE. Now we must turn last night’s result into a great opportunity

One together, not two apart.

That’s the message you sent loud and clear.

Australians have used their democratic voice to choose unity over division.

We have affirmed a nation where we tackle our problems together.

Side by side, as one. It is not divided in our Constitution. It is not divided by race.

This has been a long and bruising campaign and I heard over and over again from Australians that they just wanted it over and done with.

They are sick of the separation, they are sick of the guilt, sick of the lectures.

Finally, they have been able to have their say in our democratic process and have said ‘no’.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says: This has been a long and bruising campaign and I have heard time and time again from Australians that they just want it over and done with.

Pictured: Jacinta Nampijinpa Price at a No rally, where she received a rockstar welcome

Not for those who want to treat Aboriginal people differently.

Not for those who want to treat Aboriginal disadvantage as something that is permanent.

Not for those who profit from declaring Indigenous Australians as victims, powerless, incapable of being helped without special treatment.

However, it is important to understand that No to these things turns tonight’s result into a ‘yes’.

Not an empty ‘yes’ to silly ideas about ‘making history’.

But a ‘yes’ to practical solutions that bring us together as one united people.

Senator Price says: Australians have used their democratic voice to choose unity over division. We have affirmed a nation where we tackle our problems together

A ‘yes’ to politicians from the Prime Minister down – myself included – doing our jobs and making sure that the money spent on aid is actually going where it’s supposed to go.

‘Yes’ to a new approach to tackling Indigenous disadvantage, where we are about making sure children go to school and adults go to work.

Where we focus on keeping women and children safe.

And where we understand that Aboriginal people are Australians – human beings – who want exactly the kinds of things we want for all Australians.

I understand that many Australians will be disappointed with the result.

But this is a possibility.

Because I mean it when I say it’s our chance to be united and practice.

And I look forward to working with all Australians in a future where we tackle problems together, no longer divided but united as one.

The Prime Minister addressed the public after Western Australia closed the polls, at which point a No vote was already in sight