Garth Hamilton silent on second referendum after slamming Voice vote’s $450M price tag

Throughout the $450 million Voice referendum, Garth Hamilton repeatedly claimed it was a waste of time and money in the middle of a cost of living crisis, but now he is silent when his own leader floats a second referendum.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton and Groom candidate Suzie Holt.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton has refused to comment on whether his leader Peter Dutton’s proposed almost half-a-billion-dollar referendum on deporting dual-citizens criminals is a worthwhile expenditure during a cost of living crisis.

Mr Dutton has flagged his intentions to hold a constitutional referendum to kick out dual citizens convicted of terror offences, which seen has been slammed as “mad” by former Liberal attorney-general George Brandis.

Mr Hamilton’s refusal to give his own thoughts about his party leader’s decision has raised questions from his main political rival Suzie Holt - who has been dubbed a major threat to make the long-term safe seat of Groom a marginal seat in the upcoming Federal election.

Mr Hamilton giving no comment on his leader’s referendum is in stark contrast to his actions during the 2023 Voice Referendum,

He was a staunch advocate for the ‘No’ vote and repeatedly raised the $450 million price tag as an example of government waste.

Mr Hamilton was repeatedly asked for his thoughts but dodged the questions.

“I will leave the Dutton to make those comments,” he said.

“Looking forward to getting back down (to Canberra) to have those discussions.”

Mr Dutton’s captain’s call on the referendum took many Coalition MPs by surprise.

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”.

Several Coalition MPs have said they kept in the dark about the proposed referendum, according to ABC reporting.

Independent candidate for Groom Suzie Holt slammed Mr Dutton’s moves as divisive and wasteful.

“I am going to quote Dutton here, it really is clear that the Australian public is over the referendum process, there is really no appetite to waste $450 million on a referendum that will not go anywhere or get bipartisan support, particularly given we are in a cost of living crisis,” she said.

“We have been out listening to the community, it is really clear that the community is tired of leaders who are completely distracted by divisive issues, they want to see our elected leaders get on with the job.

“Within the LNP, particularly those on the back bench like the current member for Groom, have no idea about the policy that is being proposed, the community is really tired of power grabs.

“They are wanting the community to come together particularly in these uncertain times.”

Mrs Holt added that the proposed laws would be a double up of existing legislation.

“What we have got is a court process that already exists to convict and potentially deport serious criminals and that process has already occurred,” she said.

Originally published as Garth Hamilton silent on second referendum after slamming Voice vote’s $450M price tag