MALLEE MP Anne Webster says that by not supporting an Indigenous Voice to parliament, the Nationals are showing others its okay to hold alternative views and may prompt further discussion on constitutional change.
But the Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Marcus Stewart, has criticised the federal Nationals’ decision and said the party is choosing to walk away from a conversation about Indigenous recognition.
The Nationals leader David Littleproud, who last week said the party was waiting for more information on the voice to parliament, announced on Monday the party would not support it.
Nationals senator Jacinta Price, a Warlpiri woman from central Australia, said the proposal was “emotional blackmail” which would empower “elites”.
The Indigenous Voice to parliament was one of three reforms, along with Treaty and Truth, which were called for in the 2017 Uluru statement.
The purpose of Voice would be to change to the constitution to allow a body of Indigenous representatives to provide feedback to MPs about issues and policy affecting Aboriginal communities.
A referendum to change the constitution to allow a voice to parliament may occur as soon as mid-2023.
Dr Webster said the Nationals were using their platform to draw out discussion from the public and address the government’s lack of “transparency”.
“By starting to talk about the fact that it’s okay to have a different view to what is being pushed by Labor, more discussion will take place,” she said.
“Hopefully, Australians will be better informed when it comes time for the referendum.”
The Liberal Party has not yet settled on its position, though Senator Kerryne Liddle, an Arrernte woman, has backed constitutional recognition but called for more information.
Dr Webster said Indigenous leaders in the Mallee had raised concerns about what the voice represented.
“Most indigenous people on the ground don’t even know what it is,” Dr Webster said.
“They are concerned that the voice won’t represent them.”
Dr Webster did not confirm which of the several Indigenous communities in the Mallee she had spoken to.
Mr Stewart, a Nira Illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation, said it was a “misstep” for the Nationals to not support a voice to parliament.
“Not only is it the wrong thing to do morally, I think it’s a big political misstep, because most fair minded people in Victoria can see that we need to have the conversations about things like Treaty if we want to get on with building a better future together as equals,” Mr Stewart said.
“Having our say, politically speaking, is very hard when we don’t have a meaningful voice of our own.
“Of course, more details need to be fleshed out, but to walk away from the conversation before it has really even begun is very disappointing.
“How can you hear the details if you don’t want to hear our Voice?”
