Jacinta Price calls out PM for ‘failing to answer questions’ on Voice

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has accused Anthony Albanese of “failing to answer questions” for the potential of the Voice to parliament to lead to treaty and reparations.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has accused Anthony Albanese of misleading Australians and “failing to answer questions” over the potential for the proposed Voice to parliament to lead to treaty and reparations.

The Prime Minister is “deflecting from the fact that the Uluru Statement has delivered the Voice, and we know that Uluru has as its next steps treaty and truth-telling,” said Ms Price, shadow Indigenous Australians minister and one of the leaders of the “no” campaign against the referendum.

Ms Price’s comments came after a heated interview between Mr Albanese and 2GB host Ben Fordham which saw the PM forced to defend the Voice amid declining support in the polls.

Mr Albanese told the radio personality to “get on board” after Mr Fordham outlined issues with the Voice that has seen support for the proposal rapidly tanking.

“Read the question which you are going to be asked about … it’s not about treaty, it’s not about compensation, it’s just about listening,” he said.

2GB's Ben Fordham faced off with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the Voice on Wednesday morning.

However Ms Price said that Mr Albanese was not being straight with voters.

“It’s absolutely not at all not dumb as the Prime Minister might suggest to ask the question of whether Australians would be expected to pay reparations,” she said.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Glenn Campbell

“We know there are Voice proponents like Thomas Mayo who have blatantly stated that they would be seeking reparations.”

Mr Albanese has previously committed to implementing the Uluru statement in full and indicated that treaty and “truth telling” would be “part of the next phase” of the reconciliation process.

Ms Price added that growing concerns in Western Australia, where a new Aboriginal Heritage Act means that any property larger than 1100 square metres will be forced to pay for Aboriginal Heritage Surveys before doing any work on their land, was a taste of things to come.

“WA is what is coming (nationally),” Ms Price said.

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney has refused to debate Jacinta Price on the Voice. Picture: Scott Gelston

“The Voice is the foot in the door and the Prime Minister cannot deny that there will be a continuation of demands on the rest of Australia by activists and individuals seeking to make the most of the opportunity.”

Ms Price added that she was disappointed that Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney had declined her offer to participate in a public debate on the Voice.

On Wednesday, Ms Burney told reporters “no, this is about politics for the Liberals and Nationals, that’s why they want a Canberra debate.”

“We want an honest and open conversation with Australia about a path to a better future. They want typical political conflict and obstruction.”

However Ms Price said a debate would help engage people with the debate.

“I would hope that the Indigenous minister for Indigenous Australians would, as important as this referendum is going forward, would fund the time to debate with myself as shadow minister.”

“Remote and regional Australia don’t identify with the Voice, it’s been pushed by an inner city elite.”