The Echo editorial prior to the referendum saw the intent of the referendum as being to recognise, heal the wounds and bring together all Australians.
In reality, the referendum became a plaything of the prime minister, to be used for political gain and personal aggrandisement.
In their de facto editorials on pages 10 and 12 of The Echo of 18 October, columnists Dr Ray Moynihan and David Lowe, respectfully, skirt around the real causes of the referendum defeat.
Dr Moynihan fails to even mention Anthony Albanese and David Lowe doesn’t lay a glove on the PM, continuing the Dutton / misinformation and ignorance line.
In reality, Peter Dutton had only a minor influence on the result, apart from opposing the question, but allowing his parliamentary colleagues a free vote on the issue.
Both correspondents fail to understand that a new and different Indigenous force, Price and Mundine, who were obviously not part of the ELITE, saw that a ‘Yes’ vote was a continuation of the same failed policies.
At the start of the campaign, the PM had around 70 per cent support and despite massive taxpayer funding of over $350m was able to reduce that to sub-39 per cent.
It was the PM who broke the Indigenous hearts by mistake after mistake, putting his ego above the country.
To attempt to introduce an 18-page document into the Constitution, that [he] had not even bothered to read is the height of ignorance and arrogance, sufficient to call for his resignation.
The foul and decisive language of the likes of Marcia Langton and Ray Martin will not be quickly forgotten nor forgiven.
But all is not lost.
There always has been and continues to be a strong willingness to solve the Indigenous issues and in Price and Mundine we have a way forward.
In no particular order, schooling and education will cease to be optional, domestic violence and child abuse no longer a ‘cultural thing’, but a serious offence, active employment positive and meaningful, Indigenous health urgently upgraded and alcohol abuse treated respectfully, with family income protection.
The majority of Australians saw a ‘Yes’ vote as being a continuation of old failed practices and voted for a new, more respectful approach.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
