Littleproud claims country ‘never at war’ with Indigenous Australians, rebuffs treaty position

The Nationals leader has reiterated his party’s position on the Voice to parliament, but made a striking claim about why they would not support a treaty plan.

David Littleproud has reiterated his party’s opposition to the Voice to parliament and the treaty.

David Littleproud has reiterated the National Party’s opposition to the Voice and to a treaty, claiming the country has “never been at war” with Indigenous Australians.

The Nationals leader said his party would “stand convicted” for “standing up for regional Australia” while addressing supporters at the LNP State Conference in Brisbane.

His party has long been opposed to Labor’s proposed Voice to parliament and upcoming referendum.

Mr Littleproud joined Liberal leader Peter Dutton in reiterating this position, with Mr Dutton warning party faithful that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was leading the country on a course to “division” for the October referendum.

David Littleproud has claimed the country was “never at war” with Indigenous Australians, reiterating the Nationals’ opposition to the Voice to parliament and a treaty. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The Queensland Liberal-National Party – led by David Crisafulli – voted with the incumbent state Labor government to pass the Path to Treaty legislation.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Littleproud said he did not see a treaty as worthwhile because the party had worked “hand-in-hand” to provide opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

He said Labor had no “ambitious” goal to closing the gap.

“We’re effectively signing into our constitution the perpetuity of failure,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We’ve never been at war with Indigenous Australians.”

Asked about historic conflicts such as the frontier wars - violent wars, conflicts and massacres involving settlers and Indigenous Australians from the 18th century - Mr Littleproud acknowledged “mistakes” had been made.

“There were mistakes in areas across our country, no-one is walking away from the fact they were made by settlers,” he said.

“There was conflict between Indigenous tribes as well … but as a nation we have walked forward.

“When someone loses their life, and it’s perpetrated by somebody, that is a serious crime. But it wasn’t those that settled, the English that came here with the intent of starting a war. That wasn’t what happened.

“There were outbreaks in certain areas, that’s history and that’s part of listening to and understanding our past.

“We should also as a nation put our chin up and our chest out at what we have achieved together.”

In his opening speech, Mr Dutton said of the referendum: “We’re going to face the most significant vote in our nation’s history.”

Liberal leader Peter Dutton called the upcoming referendum one of the most significant changes to the country’s constitution in years. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“This is the most significant change that has been proposed to our constitution in 120 years.

“(We) will ultimately end up with another layer of bureaucracy.”

Mr Littleproud echoed the comments, stating billions were being spent each year trying to address issues being faced by Indigenous Australians.

“I find no circumstances that I can see our party room even accepting a treaty,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We don’t believe a treaty is necessary. We believe our great nation has come together and will continue to come together, if we work together.

“The Nationals will stand convicted – convicted of our beliefs to ensure regional Australia is not only heard but metropolitan Australians seek to understand us.”

Originally published as Littleproud claims country ‘never at war’ with Indigenous Australians, rebuffs treaty position