Peter Dutton riled by Anthony Albanese ‘Chicken Little’ jibe in Adelaide address

Peter Dutton has accused Anthony Albanese of name-calling ahead of a speech the PM gave in Adelaide in which he called for Australians to unite behind the Voice.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused Anthony Albanese of name-calling ahead of a speech the Prime Minister gave in Adelaide to boost support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

The Prime Minister spoke at the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration, reiterating his optimism about the referendum.

He said Australians “have a healthy scepticism” of scare campaigns due to “predictions offered by the Chicken Littles” in the past.

He also said the referendum would be a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to improve the lives of Indigenous people.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivers the Lowitja O'Donoghue address at Adelaide University, Bonython Hall. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

But speaking on Monday, Mr Dutton said the Prime Minister’s then yet-to-be-delivered comments, which had been released in advance, were “completely and utterly unacceptable”.

“There should be respectful debate on both sides of the argument,” he said.

“The Prime Minister out there name-calling people and others suggesting that people are racist because they don’t support the Voice. It’s completely and utterly unacceptable.

“If the Prime Minister wants a 1967-type outcome then go with the proposition that’s before them now.

“That is Constitutional recognition, there is overwhelming support. I think there would be 80 per cent support for it in the community.”

Mr Dutton has backed Constitutional recognition of First Nations peoples but insists the Voice will divide Australians.