Author(s): Shireen Morris

Australian Non fiction | Coming Up

The inside story of the 2023 Voice Referendum, from Yes to No

In late 2023, Australians voted No to recognising Indigenous peoples through a constitutional Voice. Broken Heart unpacks the true complex history of the referendum, illuminating how an alliance with constitutional conservatives fractured under political pressure, and a proposal conceived in compromise got killed by partisan politics.

Told from the unique insider perspective of a constitutional lawyer who worked closely with Noel Pearson for over a decade, this book analyses the mistakes of the government and Yes advocates, the fickleness and ultimate intransigence of the right, and the betrayals and lies that led to the referendum's defeat.

Broken Heart tells a story of hope and tragedy. But its lessons will assist future reformers and leaders who want to make Australia a better place.