Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles had admitted the defeat of the Voice referendum was not the result he was hoping for.
More than 50 per cent of residents in the seats of Corio and Corangamite voted no in the weekend vote, which proposed enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the constitution.
The member for Corio said Labor was still committed to working towards reconciliation.
“Australians, whether they voted yes or no, want to see a closing of the gap of social disadvantage which impacts Indigenous Australians,” he said.
“We remain very committed to acting in every way to close the gap.”
Mr Marles said the party respected the Australian population had spoken, and the constitutional change would not be happening.
Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the city remained committed to improving outcomes for First Nations people n the region.
“The result reflects the majority viewpoint of the Australian people, and we respect the decision of the people,” Cr Sullivan said.
“We are privileged to live in a peaceful democracy where every adult in the population is entitled to vote.”
