Nationals label the Voice as blackmail
THE Nationals will formally oppose the Albanese government’s proposed referendum on an Aboriginal “voice to parliament”, calling it a “divisive” idea based on “emotional blackmail.”
“The National Party has made a position that we will not support Voice to parliament, we believe in empowering local indigenous communities, giving them the power at a local level, not creating another layer of bureaucracy here,” said Nationals leader David Littleproud.
Mr Littleproud was joined by the entire Nationals party room with the exception of Darren Chester, who is in New York.
Northern Territory senator Jacinta Price said the party decided to oppose the voice after long consultations with constituents including indigenous Australians she said had far greater priorities.
“I’ve spoken to people throughout communities in the Northern Territory, those whose first language is not English, who don’t understand what this voice proposal is about, who are living their day to day lives worrying about how they’re not going to encounter violence in their lives, worrying about how they’re going to manage their affairs without humbug from their relatives who are dealing with alcohol and substance abuse, worrying about ensuring that their kids are actually going to get to school because now that remote community is overcome with alcohol fuelled violence,” she said.
The announcement puts further pressure on the Liberal party to formally declare a position on the voice.
Over the weekend, Queensland’s Liberal National Party reportedly passed a resolution by an overwhelming majority urging the federal party to oppose the motion.
One major issue for the party is whether MPS will be bound to a “no” vote or allowed to take a conscience position.