Anthony Albanese turns down boxing match between Anthony Mundine and Thomas Mayo
- Anthony Albanese criticized the fight challenge
- Anthony Mundine challenged Thomas Mayo
Anthony Albanese has criticized Warren Mundine for encouraging a fight between a former boxer and leading Yes advocate Thomas Mayo, arguing that mounting negativity was driving voters away from the No campaign.
Mr. Mundine’s great-nephew and Voice opponent Anthony Mundine publicly stated last week that he wanted to fight Mr. Mayo.
In a video on social media, the former world champion boxer said he wanted to “beat up Mayo really good because he needs to be taught a lesson.”
Warren Mundine responded, supporting a physical altercation in a move the Prime Minister always referred to as an example of ‘fear’ used by No campaigners.
“I was quite shocked by the fact that Warren Mundine thought it was OK to support these comments,” Albanese said Monday.
Mr Albanese’s comments come as hundreds of early polling stations across the country opened on Monday, just weeks ahead of the October 14 Voice referendum.
Anthony Mundine came under fire after challenging the prominent Yes campaigner to a fight
“What we really need is to come together in a spirit of reconciliation and I sincerely hope that people do that.”
Mr Albanese’s comments come as hundreds of early polling stations across the country opened on Monday, just weeks ahead of the October 14 Voice referendum.
Mr Albanese said the growing divisiveness in the debate has prompted more and more voters to switch sides and vote in favor of a First Nations Voice in Parliament.
“The feedback I’ve had, especially this weekend, is that people have noticed the positive nature of the Yes campaign compared to the negativity of the No campaign,” he told the media.
“The No campaign has raised so many issues that have nothing to do with the Vote, some of which, quite frankly, use the kind of words and language you wouldn’t repeat.
“I know a lot of people haven’t made up their minds yet, but what I know is that after people talk about these issues, the feedback is a yes vote.”
A record 97.7 percent of eligible Australians have registered to vote in the referendum, the highest percentage since Federation, according to the Australian Electoral Commission.
Anthony Albanese has criticized Warren Mundine for encouraging a fight between a former boxer and leading Yes advocate Thomas Mayo, arguing that mounting negativity was driving voters away from the No campaign.
The registration rate for Indigenous Australians has also reached a record high, with 94.1 percent registered to cast their vote
The registration rate for Indigenous Australians has also reached a record high, with 94.1 percent registered to cast their vote.
Multiple polls show that the Voice is on its way to defeat, with support falling below 50 percent on average.
Yes and No campaigners are expected to increase their presence in ‘critical’ swing states such as South Australia and Tasmania over the next two weeks to win over undecided voters.
“We are very focused on achieving a successful outcome because this enables better outcomes,” Mr Albanese said.
‘We know that when you listen to people you get better results, whether it’s in this area or if a local school listens to teachers, parents and students.
“All of this is intended as an opportunity to listen to Indigenous Australians on issues that affect them with a non-binding advisory committee.”
In Australia’s first referendum in almost a quarter of a century, voters will be asked to vote yes or no on a single question:
‘A proposed law: to amend the Constitution to recognize Australia’s First Peoples by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve of this proposed change?’