David Crisafulli on the fence on Voice
Queensland’s LNP leader says he is yet to make up his mind on whether he will support the Voice referendum amid pressure from the Premier to reveal his stance.
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Opposition Leader David Crisafulli says he is yet to make up his mind on whether he will support the Voice referendum saying a vote is still “many months” away, as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called on him to outline his stance.
Mr Crisafulli has faced renewed pressure this week to confirm his position on the referendum – which would establish an advisory body to government on laws and policy that directly impact First Nations people – after federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed he would campaign for the No side.
The move saw federal Indigenous Australians spokesman Julian Leeser quit the Liberal frontbench, to campaign to support the change.
On Thursday Mr Crisafulli admitted he was still on the fence, and pointed to waiting for the findings of a federal joint select committee which he said would be “key”.
“If you’re asking if I’ve made a decision – the answer is no,” he said.
“All I’m asking is for people to conduct themselves with civility and decency in putting across different points of view.
“And for people to be open minded to the reasons that are put forward.”
The Opposition Leader’s comments come after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged the LNP to support the Voice, and said that she expected there were members of the party who did want to see the change.
A recent Newspoll also showed Queensland was the only state in the country not to have majority support for the constitutional change.
Mr Crisafulli said his present stance was in contrast to the “chaotic nature” of the government, and he would not be pressured into a “kneejerk” decision.
“But look, let me be clear, my position will be clear to you and I’m going to make my position public – that’s fair and reasonable,” he said.
“But there’s not a vote for many months.
And what I want to do by taking this stance is to say to all of those Queenslanders who are in the middle, to listen to those who are making reasoned arguments on both sides.”