A polite ‘No’ to a divisive Voice.
I have previously outlined my position on the proposed Voice to Parliament and it is a position based on principle and a strong belief in opposing the separation of Australians or giving Australians different rights, based on race.
I reiterate that my position remains unchanged. I will be voting ‘No’ in the referendum.
The wonderful equality Australians enjoy is worth celebrating, it is a fantastic achievement, and it makes us such a great country.
I am firmly of the belief that all Australians should have access to equality of opportunity.
I want to see better outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters.
Improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is an important issue that requires a sensible and practicable approach, not a risky divisive one.
While I support the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I do not support the Prime Minister’s flawed proposal. To date, I have not received a response from the Prime Minister or Minister Burney following letters I sent earlier this year regarding the Voice.
As it stands, the Voice is under a cloud of questions of legal ambiguity, while not offering clear solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Coalition has proposed a viable alternative to unite the country. Our sensible and practical approach will mean:
- Opposing Mr Albanese’s Canberra-based constitutionally-enshrined Voice bureaucracy model;
- Supporting Constitutional Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians;
- A grassroots model of local and regional bodies focused on practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
The best possible place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voices to Parliament, is the shared chamber of the House of Representatives and the Australian Senate.
My vote is as equal as the next person in this referendum.
I encourage all Australians to consider this proposal in detail, as they are the ultimate decision-makers in this referendum.
