PM’s bid to beat ‘scare tactics’
A Voice to Parliament is the answer to “how” the nation can practically improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, Anthony Albanese will say in a rousing speech condemning misinformation about the coming referendum.
The Prime Minister will issue a rallying cry to support the proposal for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and take aim at No campaigners fuelling false rumours about the powers and influence of the advisory body as he delivers the annual Lowitja O’Donoghue oration in Adelaide on Monday.
Mr Albanese will say scare campaigns like claims a Voice will drive up the cost of parking tickets “radically” underestimate the intelligence and humanity of Australians.
“It’s only a matter of time before (No campaigners) tell us that the Voice will fade the curtains,” he will say. “Australians won’t succumb to their appeals to fear and their ever more ludicrous invitations to jump at our own shadows.”
In an emotional plea to Australians to support the referendum due to be held this year, Mr Albanese will explain how the Voice providing advice to government can have a practical impact.
“Because of it, governments will be more strongly equipped to make better decisions – coordinated, streamlined decisions – leading to better outcomes,” he will say.
“When it’s been tried on a smaller scale, it’s clear that when decisions are made after listening to the people on the ground, the results are positive.
“Look at the Indigenous-led community health clinics extending life expectancy.”