SENATOR THE HON BRIDGET MCKENZIE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEADER OF THE NATIONALS IN THE SENATE
SENATOR FOR VICTORIA
SENATOR JACINTA NAMPIJINPA PRICE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
SENATOR FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
MEDIA RELEASE
27 May 2023
Victorian Nationals vote no to The Voice
At the 106th Victorian National Party State Conference, members voted to oppose the Albanese Labor Government’s proposed constitutional Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Nationals Senator for Victoria and the Leader of the Nationals in the Senate, Bridget McKenzie was joined by Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price at the conference in Creswick on Saturday to debate the Voice Referendum.
Senator McKenzie said the endorsement by party members and parliamentarians represented an historic day for the Victorian National Party.
“I absolutely believe in recognition, reconciliation and importantly better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, but Albanese’s Voice proposal will divide Australians along the lines of race and will have hidden consequences,” Senator McKenzie said.
“I am immensely proud of our Victorian Nationals who have today boldly stood for a united Australia.
“If this referendum was a question of constitutional recognition only, it would have overwhelming support right across our country. But the Voice proposes much more than this which is why more and more people are moving towards a ‘no’ vote.”
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said the more people hear about the Voice, the more they are voting No!
“One of The Nationals great strengths is our grass roots structures. It makes us the most democratic movement in the country,” Senator Price said.
“The fact that members from the across the state of Victoria have put their differences aside to oppose the Voice sends a strong message.
“I was honoured to be able to speak on the motion today. Victorians who do not support the Voice can have faith in The Nationals who know it is not racist to oppose it.
“This proposal is dangerous. It is risky. It is divisive and it will not improve the life of a single person who is living in disadvantage.”
ENDS