Olympic athlete-turned-doctor Jana Pittman reveals why she’s having second thoughts about voting Yes to the Voice: ‘I’m struggling with this decision’
Olympic athlete and doctor-turned-medic Jana Pittman reveals why she has doubts about voting for Yes to the Voice: ‘I’m having trouble with this decision’
- Jana Pittman says she finds the voice “confusing.”
- The Olympic star appeared on ABC’s Q&A
Jana Pittman has revealed she’s not sure how to vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum.
The Olympic athlete-turned-medical doctor made the admission Monday night during an appearance on ABC’s Q&A program.
The panel, which also included MamaMia editor Jessie Stephens, Labor MP Gordon Reid, Liberal MP Aaron Violi and Danielle Wood, CEO of the Gratton Institute, spoke on The Voice after a question was raised about how people understand the idea of could blame the proposal.
Pittman, 40, said she struggles with the discourse around the debate and the Yes campaign’s unclear messages.
“We always say that as medical professionals we speak to people at the 8th grade level. I found this incredibly confusing,” she said.
Jana Pittman has revealed she’s not sure how to vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum (pictured after winning the final of the women’s 400m hurdles at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne)
“We were waiting in the green room beforehand and Gordon explained very nicely what the constitution is.
‘I’m doing my PhD, and if I don’t understand the whole concepts behind yes and no, how on earth am I supposed to vote correctly to make sure my people are safe, all people – Aboriginal people and every culture that beautifully diversifies Australia .
“So I don’t know what to do in this situation.”
QandA presenter Patricia Karvelas asked if Pittman was undecided with her vote.
The former athlete responded by saying she thinks she’s a ‘very strong yes’, but after hearing from other panelists she now believes the Voice wasn’t what she ‘thought it was’.
“It’s a confusing message,” she said.
“I am well versed and read in this area, and more so on the Constitution with Gordon.
“I feel it’s hard to make decisions on behalf of people I don’t speak for.”
Anthony Albanese (pictured) will announce the official date for the referendum on Wednesday. It is generally expected to take place on October 14.
After months of speculation, the date for the referendum will be officially announced on Wednesday when the Prime Minister visits Adelaide following his departure from WA.
It is widely expected to take place on Saturday 14 October, giving the government and the Yes campaign just over six weeks to reverse the months-declining poll numbers.
In a recent poll, Victoria was the only state to support a yes vote. For the referendum to succeed, it must receive a majority of the national vote and also win at least four of the six states.
Nationally, the No side leads with 47 percent, the Yes side with 43 percent, while 10 percent of people are still undecided.
Mr Albanese said once the date is announced people will take a closer look at the issue of the referendum and what it will mean for Indigenous Australians.
He believes people will then see that it is “a very clear proposition” to recognize that Australia had a rich history long before white settlement.
But as a clear sign that the prime minister is listening to voters who say the Voice is not their main concern in tough economic times, he stressed that the government is helping with cheaper medicines and childcare and an increase in wealth.