Two of the most influential indigenous people in parliament are now AGAINST ‘the Voice’, making it difficult for Anthony Albanese to fulfill his electoral promise.
Senator for the Greens reignites discussion of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal
Considers that the associated costs would be better spent on indigenous communities
Lidia Thorpe has not yet decided if she will support the planned referendum.
The Greens responded to criticism by assuring they will negotiate “in good faith.”
Two of the most powerful indigenous federal lawmakers oppose the Voice to Parliament idea, with Senator Lidia Thorpe of the Greens calling the referendum as a “waste of money.”
In a devastating blow to Anthony Albanese’s signature proposal, Senator Thorpe announced that she is unlikely to endorse the Voice.
New senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a rising star in the Coalition, is likewise opposed to the Voice, feeling that the move would be symbolic and would not truly enhance the lives of Aboriginal people.
Mr. Albanese’s chances of persuading the Australian public would suffer a significant setback if the two senators joined forces to oppose Labor’s proposal.
In a devastating blow to Anthony Albanese’s signature proposal, Senator Thorpe (pictured) stated that she is unlikely to back the Voice.
New senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a rising star in the Coalition, is likewise opposed to the Voice, feeling that the move would be symbolic and would not truly enhance the lives of Aboriginal people.
What is the Native Voice to the Parliament?
Anthony Albanese desires a Constitutionally enshrined organization that would allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise the Parliament on policies and initiatives that affect their lives.
Changing the Constitution requires a referendum. To be successful, the vote will require the backing of the majority of Australians in the majority of states.
Senator Thorpe desires a treaty with First Nations prior to the Voice to Parliament and considers a constitutional referendum a waste of time and money.
She told Nine media, “The costs associated with a referendum would be better spent on what is required in our communities.”
I consider it a waste of money. It is a waste of time. A referendum is not required to have a treaty.
The Prime Minister desires to establish in the Constitution the Voice, a committee that would advise the government on how policies will affect Indigenous people.
Senator Thorpe stated that the Labor government never contacted her to discuss the Voice.
If the Coalition refuses to endorse the idea, the federal government will require the backing of the Greens to pass a bill authorizing a referendum.
Senator Thorpe stated, ‘Given that we don’t even know what [Voice] looks like, what the [referendum] question would be, or any of the details, it’s difficult to tell if you can support something you know nothing about.’
She suggested she might accept the proposal provided it included proposals to save indigenous lives.
The senator’s remarks led Greens leader Adam Bandt to reaffirm the party’s commitment to ‘good faith’ negotiations.
The spokesman stated, “The federal government can instantly make major improvements to the lives of First Nations peoples as we seek to advance all components of the Uluru Statement.”
Senator Thorpe has not yet decided whether she will personally support Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s proposed referendum (pictured)
While Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a senator for the Coalition, is opposed to the Voice, Peter Dutton, the head of the opposition, maintains “an open mind.”
The Prime Minister desires that all Australians have ownership over the referendum process and that there be sufficient time for a debate on what an Indigenous voice would entail.
Mr. Albanese told Sydney radio 2SM on Tuesday, ‘It’s a relatively straightforward concept to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution, to create a voice, a body that will be consulted.’
It’s only a matter of good manners and respect to recognize people in the constitution and consult them on issues that directly impact them.
Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA legend, is shown with Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney (left) and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (center) (right)
Last weekend, he also justified his choice to enlist the assistance of retired US basketball player Shaquille O’Neal.
It caused Senator Thorpe to criticize O’Neal’s attempt to promote The Voice given his ties to the gaming business, which disproportionately harms Aboriginal people.
Ms. Thorpe told 3AW radio on Monday, ‘I mean he’s here for a speaking tour, fantastic for him, and he’s also here for PointsBet, which is about gambling and destroying families’
He is meddling with matters that have nothing to do with him.
He has no understanding of what is happening in our country and should refrain from criticizing.
A referendum is not required to have a treaty.
A referendum is not required to have a treaty,’ Sen. Lidia Thorpe stated
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