Labor commends the people of Bougainville and the institutions and officials who organised the referendum for ensuring a safe and peaceful vote.
We acknowledge that the people of Bougainville have overwhelmingly voted for independence.
It is now for the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to engage in discussions on the next steps.
Labor encourages all parties to continue to work collaboratively in ways which reinforce peace and build consensus and trust.
We encourage the Morrison Government to offer support from Australia for the next stages of these processes.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.