Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denied that a failure of the Indigenous Voice referendum would harm him or his government politically, and remains hopeful that it will pass despite poor recent polls.
The polls indicate that the referendum proposal – to amend the constitution to enshrine an Aboriginal vote to be consulted on all laws affecting Indigenous people – will struggle to get the required majority in at least four states.
However, Mr. Albanese still believes that the Yes campaign can take off.
“Constitutional change is difficult in this country, only eight proposals have been successful out of 48, but I am confident that Australians will take this opportunity to vote yes,” Albanian told Nine’s 60 Minutes on Sunday.
He denied that he had risked his legitimacy as prime minister or the credibility of the Labor government with the result of the referendum.
“It’s not about me and it’s not about any politician,” Albanese said.
It’s not my product. It’s a product that comes from Indigenous Australians and it’s one I support.
“My plan is to be successful in this referendum and I am determined to stand up for my values and I have faith in the Australian people.”
Anthony Albanese (pictured) has been put to the test over glaring flaws over the Indigenous vote in parliament after four recent polls have all shown the referendum will be defeated
The Prime Minister was also asked about the point of voting if there are already indigenous votes in parliament and the government is already consulting with the communities.
“We don’t have a structured national program,” he replied. “If we do the same thing, we should expect the same results and those results are just not good enough.”
‘A practical example is that when local health programs have involved indigenous people themselves and listened to them, you have better health outcomes.’
The Prime Minister said a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament would not do that overthrow the parliamentary structures, leading Adams to ask him what his real power would be.
“Its power is the power of the voice,” he replied.
The 60 Minutes reporter pressed him and said there were mixed reports that he said on the one hand that this is a huge, historic change, and on the other hand that it won’t really impact the lives of most people. people.
“For most non-Indigenous Australians, it won’t affect the way parliament functions, the things that have a direct impact on their lives,” Albanese said.
“But maybe it will make things better for the most disadvantaged group in Australian society. For our Indigenous Australians,” said Mr Albanese.
The prime minister acknowledged that there is a high probability that the vote will not succeed, as only eight of Australia’s 48 previous referenda have passed.
‘I’m concerned about the impact on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – that’s my only concern… This isn’t about partisan politics.
“This is about improving the lives of Indigenous Australians.”
Indigenous Senator Jacinta Price (pictured) is a prominent campaigner against the Voice
The Prime Minister said a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament would not topple parliamentary structures. The Aboriginal flag being carried at Melbourne’s annual NAIDOC march, Friday 7th July 2023
But the prominent No campaigner, Indigenous Senator Jacinta Price, sees things very differently.
“I think on the other hand it has been shown to have split Australia in two for an idea that was meant to unite the nation,” said the spokeswoman for the Opposition Indigenous Australians.
Mrs. Price said she asked if the government could guarantee it would have a vote in parliament, it would do anything to save even one life.
“And part of the response I’ve gotten is that it gives hope,” she said. Well, hope makes you feel warm and fuzzy, but hope doesn’t stop a child from being sexually abused.
“Hope does not end violence in communities. Hope feeds no mouth.’
Veteran Indigenous campaigner Noel Pearson is staunchly opposed to Ms Price and prominently advocates a yes vote in the referendum.
He addressed some common myths about the Voice that have emerged in recent months, such as the idea that Australians under the Voice will have to pay a percentage of GDP to the Voice each year.
‘Complete nonsense. Bullshit,” Mr Pearson said, adding that a land tax and royalties on the Voice are also “nonsense.” Can’t happen.’
When asked why this is so, he said The Voice would not be a decision-making body.
“The only one that can levy taxes – or make policy like that – is the government. (The purpose of The Voice) is to make representations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese receives traditional gifts from a young Yolngu boy during Garma Festival at Gulkula on August 4, 2023 in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Veteran Indigenous campaigner Noel Pearson (pictured) prominently advocates for a yes vote in the referendum
“Those are just bizarre ideas for fear campaigns,” he said.
For both the Prime Minister and Mr Pearson, the Voice referendum ultimately boils down to the same word: faith.
“My plan is to make this referendum successful and I am determined to stand up for my values and I have faith in the Australian people,” Albanese said.
“We have faith in you, the Australian people,” said Mr Pearson. “This is about our country and we have to get it right.”