Peter Dutton demands details from PM on Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused Anthony Albanese of treating voters ‘like mugs’ in his refusal to release more detail on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has warned Anthony Albanese that his refusal to release more detail on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a “catastrophic mistake” that will doom this year’s referendum to failure.

And he has accused the Prime Minister of treating voters “like mugs” in keeping the fine print secret.

In a fiery open letter laying out 15 Voice questions he wants answered, the Opposition Leader ­accused the PM and Indigenous Minister Linda Burney of running a deliberate political strategy to prevent Australians making an informed decision.

Mr Dutton’s move will be seen as preparing the groundwork for the Liberal Party to formally oppose the Voice when it meets after parliament resumes early next month.

“I believe you are making a catastrophic mistake in not providing accessible, clear and complete information regarding your government’s version of the Voice, condemning it to failure and, in turn, damaging reconciliation efforts in our country,” he wrote. “Your approach will ensure a dangerous and divisive debate grounded in hearsay and misinformation.”

 

Liberal MPs who spoke to The Sunday Telegraph this week said the mood in the party room had hardened against the proposal in ­recent weeks, and it was ­increasingly likely they would oppose it.

In November, the National Party announced it would oppose the Voice, but Liberals have yet to make up their minds on whether to formally support or oppose it, or allow its MPs to make their own decision about their position.

In his letter, Mr Dutton told the PM: “I am committed to being constructive on the issue of reconciliation and as you are aware from our discussions the Coalition will support any sensible and practical measures to ­improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

“The incidence of sexual assault, domestic violence, and health outcomes, among many other issues, in Indigenous communities — particularly in regional and remote areas — is a national disgrace. It is imperative you explain how a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament will deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Indigenous Australians, which must remain the ­priority of Government.”

He warned a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament would be a body “without precedent” and a “significant change” to how Australia is governed.

Among the questions Mr Dutton wants answered are: who will be eligible to serve on the body; who will be able to nominate for it; and will the Government clarify the definition of Aboriginality to determine who can serve on it.

He also wants to know how much it will cost, how members will be elected, chosen or appointed, and how many will be on it.

More importantly, he wants to know its functions and powers, whether it will be purely advisory, or will it have decision-making capabilities — as well as whether it can be dissolved and reconstituted in ­extraordinary ­circumstances.

“Many Australians do not understand the scope and operation of the Voice and expect comprehensive information before being asked to vote,” he said.

“Regrettably, it now appears clear your political strategy is to not provide adequate detail for Australians to make an informed decision.

“In refusing to provide basic information and answer reasonable questions on the Voice, you are treating the Australian people like mugs.”

Mr Dutton wants assurances it won’t become “just another layer of bureaucracy similar to the failed ATSIC” or “interfere with the system of Government which has kept our country a stable and peaceful democracy”.

The government, he said, “must stop playing clever and tricky political games by withholding detail and rushing the ­referendum. I again call on you to provide the necessary detail on how the Voice will ­operate.”

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