AUSTRALIANS seemed set to reject the creation of a parliamentary advocate for the Indigenous population today, in a referendum outcome that some are labelling as a victory for racism.

Two opinion polls published in newspapers showed that a majority of respondents oppose enshrining in Australia’s constitution an Indigenous voice to parliament. 

The voice proposal aims to give members of Australia’s most disadvantaged ethnic minority more say on government policies that affect their lives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that he would not concede defeat before Saturday, when voting on the referendum ends.

“I know there's some arrogance that has crept into the No campaign, but it’s a campaign based upon fear,” Mr Albanese added.

A poll in the Murdoch-owned Australian newspaper showed 58 per cent opposed to the voice and only 34 per cent in support. 

A Sydney Morning Herald poll found 56 per cent against the voice with only 29 per cent supporting it.

The Yes campaign argues that such a voice, a representative body selected by Indigenous people, would lead to better outcomes.

Marcia Langton, an Indigenous academic who helped draft the proposal said: “Every time the No case raises one of their arguments, if you start pulling it apart you get down to base racism.”