I still hope for Australia. But all we have done in the voice referendum is hide from the facts of our history, our true character

‘Our history is not too difficult for us to understand. We will refuse to offer ignorance as an excuse, will refuse to allow our children to hate ... We will build a just Australia.’ Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP

The referendum result was not a surprise but I felt hollowed out by the fact that Australia’s sentiment had been made so explicit. I didn’t want to go into town, I didn’t want to speak to people, I didn’t want to read airy excuses for what had happened.

I lost a great deal of respect for my country. I used to think that I could rock up to any fence post or bar and have a conversation with anyone about their dog, their kids, their ute. I had done that all my life and enjoyed that feeling of connection.