Albanese deflects questions over Indigenous reconciliation as Coalition blames him for ‘divisive’ campaign

Anthony Albanese in parliament today. ‘I will continue to listen to people and communities and consult Indigenous Australians about a way forward,’ he said in the wake of the voice referendum defeat. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Anthony Albanese has recommitted to Makarrata – coming together after conflict – but deflected questions about the way forward for reconciliation, citing Indigenous leaders’ wish for a week of silence to grieve the referendum result.

As parliament resumed on Monday, Albanese said he respected the decision not to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution, but added that the principles of “listening to people and getting better outcomes” on which the referendum was based will “continue to guide” him.