Liberal Party split exposed by Peter Dutton’s decision to champion a ‘no’ vote on Voice

A handful of senior state and federal Liberal politicians are scratching their heads over Peter Dutton’s decision to formally oppose the Voice to Parliament in a sign that the position could divide the party.

Former Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt resigned over the position on Thursday, saying: ‘I still believe in the values ​​of the Liberal Party, but I don’t believe in what the Liberals have become.

“Aboriginal people are trying to be heard, but the liberals have turned down their invitation.”

And Tasmanian backbencher Bridget Archer also considered resigning, but chose to stay in a bid to continue supporting the Voice from within the party.

“It’s going to be an unpleasant and divisive road if it continues like this, and we need to collectively reject that,” she said.

‘I’m staying because I think the Liberal Party is at a crossroads. And for people like me that means there’s a choice between running away and leaving them to fend for themselves, if you will, or fighting for what I believe the Liberal Party was and what it should be in the future.’

Fellow backbencher Andrew Bragg has reportedly expressed concern over the decision to formally oppose the Voice, and was among a handful of members to propose a vote of conscience.

Tasmanian Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff – the last Liberal state prime minister in office – also opposed Mr Dutton by revealing he would campaign “vigorously” for The Voice.

He told The Australian: ‘My view is clear: this is a pivotal moment in our country’s history. I fully support the voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution. I welcome discussion on the wording.

“I recognize and respect that there are differing views (but) I will vigorously campaign for a yes vote as I passionately believe this is an important opportunity for all Australians to move forward in unity and understanding.”

Western Australian opposition leader Shane Love has also confirmed his support for a constitutionally enshrined vote.

Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto said he and his party still have an “open mind” on the issue, as did Queensland Liberal leader David Crisafulli.

South Australia introduced its own voice in parliament in March in a move hailed as historic.

But Mr Dutton said he had given Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “literally months” to give more details about the questions he asked about the proposal.

“We can’t get the basic details out of it. We think it’s on purpose. We are waiting, waiting for advice,” he said.

“I don’t think this is in the interest of our country.”

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was furious in his response to the saga, telling followers he and his wife, Lucy, would also vote ‘yes’ to the Voice when the referendum takes place later this year.

“A big hug to Ken from me too,” he said, referring to Mr. Wyatt’s resignation from the party.

“He is a wise leader who makes history and who now has to win a referendum. We are going to vote YES with millions of Australians.”

Ms Turnbull revealed that she does not support the Liberal Party financially in any way and will soon no longer be a member when her membership formally expires in June.

She said: ‘My father was an MP in the Federal Liberal Party in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s not like it was then, not even the same as it was a few years ago. Liberalism seems to have died. I wish there had been a voice of conscience for The Voice like there was for marriage equality and the Republican referendum.”

Since rolling out the wording of the question that will be put to all Australians in the referendum later this year, the Prime Minister seems determined not to get bogged down in the core of The Voice.

He has brushed aside questions about whether The Voice could say anything about climate, defense or foreign affairs, calling anyone who questioned his favorite project “insincere.”

Peter van Onselen, political commentator and professor of politics and public policy, told Daily Mail Australia that the prime minister appears to be relying on community goodwill and his own popularity to garner support for The Voice.

“He’s in trouble because not answering questions makes it seem like he’s worried about providing details…

“He hopes to carry the vote based on his personal popularity and community goodwill towards Indigenous Australians rather than because people feel relaxed and comfortable with the content of the policy.”

Mr Albanese says the body will have a say in all matters pertaining to First Nations people, but this could be interpreted in many ways depending on who is asked.

And there are plenty within the Liberal Party who have supported Mr Dutton’s view on the matter.

Shadow Home Secretary Karen Andrews accused the prime minister of “going out of his way not to answer questions about the details of the Voice” before her party confirmed its position.

“We see very clearly that the Prime Minister refuses to answer questions, is very aggressive in his answers, tries to downplay the shadow attorney general, tries to belittle him, tries to delegitimize the questions put to him,” Andreas said.

“That is appalling behavior by the Prime Minister.

“If he’s strong enough that the Voice is the right way forward, then he should advocate for it and provide the details so Australians have the information to make the decision.”

Senator Jacinta Price is another outspoken critic of The Voice, arguing that it won’t address real issues in communities that really need extra support.