‘Shattered’: Tony Armstrong on Voice to Parliament result as stars react to referendum

ABC star Tony Armstrong spoke of his heartbreak in the wake of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, as former boxer Anthony Mundine launched a rant about the result.

ABC star Tony Armstrong spoke of his heartbreak in the wake of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, as former boxer Anthony Mundine launched an explosive rant about the result.

Speaking on his Instagram story, ex-NRL player Mundine said: “I’m just disappointed that a lot of people … that I thought that sold out, got paid to push this yes campaign that divided friends and family”.

“I want Australia to walk as one, white and black … no matter what you are. But this was nothing about that,” Mundine added.

Mundine further directed his attack on the organisers of the Voice to parliament “yes” campaign, accusing them of wasting “millions” of dollars. “They spent millions … they can plan all they want, they can try … and rig it, whatever … this was meant to happen,” the SAS Australia contestant said.

“A lot of people got found out. It’s bad, man. A lot of people sold out for money and greed.

“I never go against the truth. I am for the human race.”

Mundine has long publicly backed the “no” campaign. Speaking earlier today, Mundine had urged his followers: “Vote no, baby, peace.”

Previously, Mundine told Sky News why he was against the Voice to parliament, describing it as “a takeover … they want to take our sovereignty so we fall under their jurisdiction as British subjects so once our sovereignty is ceded then we’ll have no power,” Mundine said.

“Why the hell do we need a Voice? We’ve got people in parliament, we’ve got senators, we’re already making our voices heard.”

In the aftermath of the referendum result, Logie winner Armstrong – ABC News Breakfast’s sports presenter – posted that he was “shattered”.

Among a string of stars to express their disappointment was Brooke Blurton – who made history as Australia’s first Indigenous Bachelorette. She said she was “devastated but we rise and we go again,” Blurton wrote on Instagram.

She called it a “very raw and devastating moment”.

FRANKLIN’S EMOTIONAL ADDRESS

Jesinta Franklin she was “overcome with emotion” as Australia went to the polls on the Voice to parliament referendum.

“We hope [this] … is the beginning of a brighter, more hopeful and inclusive future for Australia,” Frankin wrote on Instagram.

In a highly personal statement, Franklin – whose husband, former Swans AFL star Buddy Franklin, is of Indigenous heritage as is the couple’s two children, Tullulah and Rocky – reflected on how the outcome of the referendum would impact her family.

Franklin wrote: “[As] we tucked Lulu and Rocky into bed, kissed them on their foreheads and said goodnight, I was overcome with emotion”.

Jesinta Franklin, pictured with husband Buddy Franklin, penned a heartfelt statement in support of the ‘yes’ campaign. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Our constitution recognises lighthouses and coinage but doesn’t recognise the people I love and care about the most in this world, my husband and children. This simply isn’t right,” Frankin said, as she shared a video of her family.

She continued: “Tullulah and Rocky, Mum and Dad are voting Yes for you tomorrow and we want you to know that no matter what the outcome is, you matter and your lives are valued beyond measure.

“You, along with your dad are survivors of the oldest living culture in the world and that is something to always be proud of and something we will continue to always celebrate with you.

“We love you and we hope tomorrow is the beginning of a brighter, more hopeful and inclusive future for Australia.”

Jesinta has been a vocal supporter of Indigenous issues – Buddy descends from the Whadjuk-Noongar people in Western Australia.

“The people who I admire and look up to and learn from within the community are passionate about a ‘yes’ vote, and are very passionate about a Voice to Parliament, and that’s where my support lies,” Franklin told Stellar in July.

“I’ve tried to learn as much as I can. I think it’s really important and something that I think will be an incredible step for this country towards recognition for our Indigenous people. For so long, they haven’t been consulted … They’ve been told how things should be done.

“I think this is a really empowering step forward. My full support, and Buddy’s, is behind it.”

Franklin’s emotional post came as Australian and international stars pledged their verdict on the yes/no debate.

Cate Blanchett backed her support for the “yes” vote, sharing a selfie with the word “yes” written on the palm of her hand.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Abbie Chatfield said she had voted “yes” and had “spent a year or so … looking into how First Nations people will be voting” – and listening to both the “yes” and “no” arguments.

“I just wanted to vote the way that would represent First Nations people,” Chatfield wrote.

“While the Voice is nowhere near perfect, and there is still so much work to be done regardless of the outcome … the majority of First Nations people want us to vote yes.”

Abbie Chatfield. Picture: Getty Images

Former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil said he had “managed to get my vote in – it’s a big, fat yes, yes, yes from me”.

Singer Paul Kelly continued his support of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

“Indigenous Australians have a special place in our nation derived from their deep history of looking after this land for over 60,000 years,” Kelly wrote on Instagram, on the eve of the referendum.

“A special place, not separate,” Kelly continued. “The question tomorrow is: Are we prepared to give them the fair go that has been denied them for 250 years? Or keep the status quo and keep them out in the cold. Ask your heart.”