David Littleproud tight lipped on referendum cost after describing voice vote as a ‘waste of money during a cost of living crisis’

Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said there are no plans to hold a referendum and would only look to that option as a last resort.

Leader of The Nationals and Federal Maranoa MP David Littleproud says he would support Peter Dutton’s controversial national referendum proposal, but only as “a last resort”.

The proposed almost half-a-billion-dollar referendum would grant politicians the power to deport dual citizens convicted of terror offences and has been heavily criticised by people on both sides of the political line

Former Liberal Attorney-General George Brandis branded the idea as “mad” while Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor told ABC Radio National a referendum was “not our policy at this point in time, it is an option, and all options are on the table”, an idea Mr Littleproud echoed.

Many politicians including independent candidate for Groom Suzie Holt labelled the proposed referendum as “wasteful”.

Warrego MP Ann Leahy and Maranoa MP David Littleproud voted no in the Voice referendum with Mr Littleproud describing it as a “waste of money during a cost of living crisis”.

During 2023’s voice to parliament referendum both Mr Dutton and Mr Littleproud criticised Labor spending $450 million on the vote with Mr Littleproud describing it as “waste of money during a cost of living crisis” during a Sky News interview.

Following the referendums' announcement Newscorp put questions to Mr Littleproud about how he felt about spending money on a referendum during a cost of living crisis differed to the previous one.

The question was also asked how it would differ from existing legislation introduced in 2023 which had seen numerous people deported, but no answer was given.

In a statement provided to NewsCorp Mr Littleproud said the referendum would not be their first point of call.

“We have no plans to hold a referendum at this stage and would only look to that option as a last resort,” he said.

“However, if it gets to the point where it is necessary to consider amending our constitution to keep Australians safe, then we believe that’s a debate our country is mature enough to have.”