Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Under the legislation of how we hold a referendum, there is a time frame for when you can have it. You can't put it off and kick the can down the road forever.

As well, during the period that that occurred, I noted that the Leader of the Opposition at one stage, having voted for what the referendum question would be, said that I could just change what the question is. That's what he said halfway through. And in October he was saying that we didn't ever say before the election that we'd have a referendum on the Voice.

I have accepted responsibility for my actions. I have accepted and respected the outcome.

See this speech in context