Shane Howard, frontman of Australian rock band Goanna, has returned his Order of Australia medal in response to the Voice Referendum result.

Goanna's 1982 hit 'Solid Rock, Sacred Ground', written by Mr Howard, decried the dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In his letter to the Governor-General, Mr Howard wrote of his "deep sadness" at the defeat of the Voice, and noted that while he respects the democratic result he believed "Australians had missed an important historical moment of destiny".

"At this point in history, I can't be proud of my nation and feel honour-bound to return my Order of Australia medal," he said.

"When I wrote the song, 'Solid Rock, Sacred Ground', 40 years ago, I wanted us to address the fundamental lie at the heart of our national story.

"I dreamt of a country respectful of our ancient history and honest about our modern history. I wanted to be proud of my country."

He said the referendum campaign had seen the rise of "intentional and well-resourced disinformation networks".

"I'm also deeply troubled by the way our First Peoples, our brothers and sisters, our friends, have been so belittled, with such pernicious vilification, in the interests of political power. It's neither generous nor decent."

Mr Howard made reference to the Eureka Stockade, at which his great-grandfather fought and was arrested.

"I hold sacred the democratic principles and freedoms that those Diggers defended and died for," he said.

"Those democratic principles are now under threat. I love my birth country deeply but until we loose our colonial shackles, engage in Treaty-making with our First Peoples, commit to truth-telling about our history and embrace a post-colonial Republic, I cannot be proud of my nation."