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The Voice referendum in Australia, which aimed to establish a First Nations Voice to Parliament, failed for several reasons. One key factor was the lack of bipartisan support, with public opinion polls showing a decline in support after opposition from Peter Dutton and the Nationals. Labor voters were also divided on the issue, with only 21 out of 78 Labor-held seats returning "yes" majorities. Demographic fault lines were evident, with inner metropolitan areas and Indigenous Australians more likely to support the Voice. The "no" campaign was simple, repetitive, and targeted, with conservative lobby group Advance Australia overseeing messaging and Indigenous campaigners bolstering the credibility of arguments against the referendum. Mis- and disinformation, as well as targeted attacks, were prevalent during the campaign, and other issues such as the cost of living crisis crowded out the Voice as a secondary concern. These factors combined to contribute to the referendum's defeat. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the maritime issues that Southeast Asian countries are concerned about, particularly in relation to China's actions in the South China Sea. While some countries, like Vietnam and the Philippines, share concerns about China's maritime assertions, others, like Malaysia, caution against a "China phobia" and emphasize the importance of not imposing external conflicts on Southeast Asia. The article highlights the need for genuine partnerships and cooperation among Southeast Asian countries, focusing on shared concerns such as the sustainable use of maritime resources, maritime connectivity, law enforcement, and addressing environmental and climate change issues. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges faced by coastal and Indigenous communities in the region. The article suggests that while the concerns over China's activities are real, there are a range of other ocean-based issues that require attention, such as protecting open ocean supply chains, reducing pollution, supporting sustainable fishing, and addressing human trafficking and climate change. The challenges and opportunities for cooperation in the maritime domain are significant and can have a positive impact on the human rights and livelihoods of millions of people in the region. [Extracted from the article]