Indigenous TV host Brooke Boney reveals why she anchored Channel Nine’s Voice coverage despite knowing the Yes campaign would lose

Local TV presenter and Yes supporter Brooke Boney has revealed why she covered the Voice referendum despite polls predicting a No victory.

The presenter fronted Channel Nine’s live referendum coverage with Peter Overton on Saturday night.

Australia voted No on the proposed constitutional change, with every state rejecting the proposal and only the ACT voting Yes as the vote count continues.

Boney revealed that she wanted to be present to convey the results of the referendum to Indigenous people, regardless of whether the Yes or No vote succeeded.

“I have a message for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers, as a Kamilaroi woman I wanted to be here tonight to deliver the results to you, whatever the outcome,” she said.

“I wanted to be here to remind you all of the love we have for each other – a love that has served us for the past 60,000 years to be the longest-lived culture anywhere in the world.”

“This doesn’t happen by accident.”

Boney reflected on the divisiveness shown during the debate over The Voice and encouraged the community to move forward together with a sense of hope.

“This is a discussion that has been sometimes inspiring and sometimes ugly. We have seen the best and the worst of people during this campaign.’

“As the sun sets on voting day, it will rise again tomorrow and our work goes on – to make sure our babies are needed, our seniors are cared for and our community is strong.

“To all of you at home tonight, I say good night.”

Boney posted the video of her emotional message on air to her Instagram page.

Her followers expressed their sympathy for the TV host and their sadness at the end result.

‘Really well done Brooke. Thinking of you and all the first people of Australia tonight,” one said.

‘Brook, I have no words. Keeping the First Nations people of Australia in my heart tonight as best I can,’ said another.

“I am heartbroken for you and every Australian who had hope.”

A third added: ‘Very disappointed with this result. So pity all the indigenous people.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney addressed the nation in Parliament after the referendum was announced.

The Prime Minister admitted that while it was not the result he had hoped for, he respects the overwhelming decision of the Australian people.

“When we reflect on everything happening in the world today, we can all be thankful that here in Australia we make the big decisions peacefully and equally, with one vote, one value,” he said.

“I never imagined it, nor did I say it would be easy. Very few things in public life are worth doing.’

Visibly emotional after the result, Mr Albanese vowed his government would continue to fight to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by working to ‘close the gap’ and advance reconciliation.

“Our nation’s road to reconciliation has often been difficult, steep climbs, uncertain ground, strong headwinds, the road ahead difficult to navigate,” Mr. Albanese said.

“But over the decades there have been difficult moments, moments of hard-won progress as well.

“That is why I say tonight is not the end of the road and certainly not the end of our efforts to bring people together.

“The issues we sought to address have not gone away, and neither have the people of good will and good heart who want to address them.”