Darren West accuses Australians of ‘voting with neo-Nazis’ if they vote no in Indigenous Voice referendum
A Western Australian politician has accused those voting ‘no’ on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum of siding with neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
Labor MP Darren West first made the comments on social media and then followed them up during a heated parliamentary debate.
‘The racists will vote no. The white supremacists will vote no,” West wrote on Facebook.
He made the comments in response to former Esperance Shire president Victoria Brown, who said she believed the referendum was dividing the country and asked whether Recognition of Land was being overused.
‘Disappointed. It’s called respect, you might want to Google it,” Mr. West told her.
Darren West (pictured left) has said those who voted no to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum sided with neo-Nazis and white supremacists
He wrote a lengthy response to a former WA Shire president who said she believed the Vote was dividing the country
‘Noel Pearson and Patrick Dodson are right. It’s time we recognized our First Australians in the Constitution.”
“Those who think fairness, equality and social justice are the pillars of our being will vote yes.”
“The question is: which side are you on?”
Prime Minister Roger Cooke said the comments were not “good language”.
But in Parliament, Mr West went further when Liberal MP Steve Thomas tabled a motion on Wednesday that the Labor majority Legislative Assembly oppose the Voice because there is not enough information and it would “permanently divide the country ‘.
“(Dr Thomas) made it clear that not everyone who votes no is a racist, and he’s right,” Mr West said, The West Australian reported.
“Not everyone who votes no is a white supremacist. The member is right.
‘Not everyone who votes no is a Nazi. You are right, but you agree with them. That’s who you vote with. This is important.’
Mr West later retracted the comments.
Yes, voters will take to the streets in Sydney this weekend (photo)
WA Premier Roger Cooke (left) said comments from Mr West (right) were not ‘appropriate’ or ‘respectful’
Prime Minister Cook called the comments not “appropriate” or “respectful” and said the Voice should be an “opportunity for Australians to unite.”
Opposition Leader Shane Love agreed, saying politicians should listen to their communities rather than lecture, and debates should remain respectful rather than veering into throwing insults.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr West for comment.