Labor accused of sneaking treaty in with Indigenous voice vote

The Albanese government has been accused of misleading voters over its proposed Indigenous voice to parliament by not coming clean about what it could mean for treaty negotiations.

The Albanese government has been accused of misleading voters over its proposed Indigenous voice to parliament by not coming clean about how a new, constitutionally enshrined body could be used to force a treaty with Aboriginal Australians.

On Sunday, Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney was reported as saying that any voice organisation that emerged from a “yes” vote would play a leading role in treaty negotiations though she added, “I certainly won’t be in the parliament when a treaty is decided.”

Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister Julian Leeser said the comments proved that the government had not provided enough detail to voters.

“Labor hasn’t done the work of providing crucial detail on their voice proposal, yet they appear to be proceeding without any detail and are expecting the Australian people to endorse a treaty as well.”

“They’re rushing this, and in so doing, risking the whole reconciliation project.”

Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney has been accused of being sneaky about a treaty. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“The government needs to explain its plans on the voice and treaty or risk losing the goodwill of the public,” he said.

Another Coalition source went further, saying that the government was guilty of a bait and switch campaign that amounted to, “vote voice, get treaty.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during the Garma Festival at Gulkula on July 30, 2022 in East Arnhem. Picture: Tamati Smith/Getty Images

The controversy comes as the Albanese government prepares to release more detail on the proposed voice to parliament.

In July the prime minister revealed high level detail of the proposal, which would add words to the Constitution creating an “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (that) may make representations to parliament and the executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

While the Coalition has not settled on a formal position on the voice, on Sunday opposition leader Peter Dutton said that he had heard concerns from Indigenous leaders that “it is essential an elitist model, that it’s designed to represent a capital city view, not a regional and remote view.”

Ms Burney’s office was approached for comment.