John Farnham Indigenous Voice to Parliament ad: Singer’s son reveals why Aussie legend backs referendum

John Farnham’s son has explained why his father, the music legend, has expressed his support for the Yes campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Robert Farnham, 43, told a crowd at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne’s inner city that his family believes there is “no option” but to support the Voice.

Farnham, 74, has provided his iconic song You’re The Voice for an official advert for the Yes campaign, which features a family watching iconic moments from Australian history on TV, such as Cathy Freeman winning gold at the 2000 Olympics.

“You know, it’s such a great move and it’s the only option moving forward, and I think it was just his gift to the people of Australia and the campaign itself,” Robert told the cheering crowd on Sunday.

“He’s so privileged and happy and amazed at everyone’s reception.

“Last year was pretty tough, so something like this is pretty special, and he’s very proud to be a part of that.”

Robert was joined on stage by Tim and Gaynor Wheatley, the son and partner of his father’s manager, Glenn Wheatley, who died in February 2022.

In a statement, the music legend said he hoped the song had changed his life and hoped it could be transformative in a broader sense.

“This song has changed my life. I can only hope that now, in a small way, it can help change the lives of our First Nations people for the better,” Farnham said.

Tim Wheatley added: ‘Win or lose this referendum, this song will forever be on the right side of history.’

It is the first time Farnham has allowed his song to be used for political purposes, with the singer avoiding political and social issues throughout his career.

Other Aussie moments featured in the two-minute ad soundtracking the song include Kevin Rudd’s apology for the Stolen Generation, John Howard’s gun reforms following the Port Arthur massacre, and the passing of same-sex marriage in 2016.

It also includes the government returning Uluru to its traditional owners in 1985, Australia’s 1983 Americas Cup victory, and the 1992 court case led by Eddie Mabo that paved the way for Indigenous land rights.

Disturbing polls indicate The Voice is headed for defeat in the referendum, but Farnham’s addition has renewed hope that the singer’s charm and appeal could turn the tide and lure more supporters to the Yes camp .

Opposition leader Peter Dutton told Sky News on Sunday that the song’s lyrics could fall back on the Yes campaign in spectacular fashion.

He said the full chorus of Farnham’s song, “You’re the Voice, try and understand it,” was very appropriate, as the Voice has been criticized for its lack of detail.

‘I honestly don’t think most Australians understand. And they want to be informed.’

Mr Dutton accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of being ‘troublesome and cunning’ in withholding information until after the October 14 referendum, which will decide whether the Voice is constitutionally established.

“The problem is not that entertainers and people from the upper echelons of the city support or support The Voice, but that the Prime Minister does not want to support the public in their decision-making,” Dutton argued.

“He is deliberately withholding information and withholding that information until after the election. He’s been very clear about giving you the details after the vote has taken place, which is pretty remarkable.

However, Mr Dutton said if the referendum fails on October 14, he will hold a referendum to constitutionally recognize Indigenous Australians without establishing a body.

He said the Labor proposed Voice, which they say will be a purely consultative body but others argue is a stepping stone to creating a treaty with Indigenous Australians, is what divides Australians.

“It won’t bring the practical results,” he told Sky News.

“It will significantly change the way of governing, because of the broad words.

“And I think that would bring the government’s decision-making process to a virtual standstill.”

Sunrise host Natalie Barr challenged the opposition leader with his pledge, asking why he would consider spending another $450 million on a referendum that “First Nations people aren’t really asking for.”

“I think it’s the right and respectful thing to simply acknowledge our history, and I think it’s the right thing to do for Indigenous Australians,” Mr Dutton said.

“I think it is wrong for our country to enshrine a vote in the constitution, and we should be very clear about that. I believe an overwhelming number of Australians support recognition, but not the Voice.’

Anthony Albanese has long been confident that the referendum would pass, despite opinion polls showing that marginal majority support for The Voice has declined in recent months as public debate has become more divisive.

‘I think people are going to concentrate more. I expect many Australians to focus only in recent weeks,” Albanese told reporters. “A majority of Australians will come to the answer that there is nothing to lose here, only gain.”

The Yes campaign will need a majority of Australians and a majority in at least four of the six states to succeed. Only eight of the 44 referenda in Australia’s 122-year history have proved successful – all with bipartisan support.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will distribute 13 million information brochures to Australian households in the coming weeks.