...By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Barnaby Joyce Mispronounces Albanese’s Name Again While Listing Reasons to Vote “No” on Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Barnaby Joyce, a Nationals MP, made another gaffe by mispronouncing Anthony Albanese’s surname again, calling him “Alba-nays,” as he listed five reasons why Australians should vote “No” to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Joyce demanded more clarity on the details of the Voice, stating that Albanese needed to be truthful about what it entails.
The Nationals were the first major party to oppose a constitutionally enshrined Voice, followed by the Liberals this week.
Joyce stated that the Voice is “dangerous” and proceeded to go through his party’s reasons for opposing it.
Joyce’s reasons included that the Voice defines people by race and DNA, which violates the United Nations’ convention on human rights, the lack of details on the legislation, the country being stuck with the Voice if it is found to be insufficient or inefficient, the extensive powers in the executive, and the possibility of the Voice becoming an “active cell of another political party that is unelected, it’s selected.”
While Mr. Albanese expressed hope that the referendum would pass, acknowledging that referendums in Australia are challenging to pass, he believes that it is time to recognize First Nations people in the Constitution.
Albanese emphasized that the Voice would allow consultation on matters affecting Indigenous people, aiming to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in several areas such as life expectancy, education, health, and housing.
Albanese also clarified that the Solicitor-General’s advice, supporting this change, is legally sound, despite Joyce’s assertion that it has been hidden.
Commentary
Joyce’s consistent mispronunciation of Albanese’s surname is not only unprofessional but also disrespectful.
The issue of mispronouncing names is not unique to Joyce, as other politicians and media personalities have also made similar mistakes, often caused by ignorance or carelessness.
However, as elected representatives, politicians should show respect and sensitivity towards their colleagues, including the proper pronunciation of their names.
Joyce’s reasons for opposing the Voice are controversial and are subject to debate.
Critics argue that Joyce’s statements regarding the Voice being “dangerous” and defining people by race and DNA are incorrect, as the Voice seeks to give Indigenous people a say on matters affecting their lives, which they have been excluded from historically.
Additionally, the Voice’s extensive powers in the executive have been criticized for being vague and require further clarification.
Overall, the issue of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a contentious issue, with supporters and opponents on both sides.
The referendum in the second half of 2023 will be significant in determining the future of Indigenous representation in Australian politics.
