The Voice to Parliament: Gippsland’s prominent leaders have their say on the referendum question

Prominent figures from the Gippsland were asked how they plan to vote in the coming referendum and why. Here’s how they answered.

This Saturday, Australians will vote in the first referendum since 1999.

Ballot papers will ask whether voters approve an alteration to the Constitution “to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice”.

Voters across Victoria were asked which way they were voting — with some people left undecided.

Now some of Gippsland’s leaders have had their say.

Jordan Crugnale, Bass state Labor MP

YES

Jordan Crugnale MP said she wants to live in a country that recognises and gives voice to the First Nations People. Picture: Supplied

“An invitation, a meaningful step, and easy answer — Yes.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a remarkable offering to the Australian people.

Take the time to read it — it is immensely powerful — I was in tears.

We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.

I want to live in an Australia that recognises and gives voice to First Peoples in our founding document and that honours, celebrates and respects the oldest continuous culture on the planet.

Governments of all levels don’t have a great record of listening to First Nations people. Reports get written, not acted upon, committees formed by one and disbanded by the next and on far too many measures First Peoples are still doing it tough, not equal — that’s not right — this has to shift.

When governments listen, you get better information, make better decisions, have better outcomes – you also learn of practices, initiatives, programs, ideas that can also benefit all Australians.

“Let’s walk together — Yes.

Michael Whelan, Bass Coast Mayor

YES

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Michael Whelan. Picture: Bass Coast Shire Council

Mayor Michael Whelan has supported the Voice to Parliament and the council as a whole have taken a position in supporting the referendum.

Mr Whelan congratulated councillors on the respectful debate at their council meeting on September 20, coming to a vote of 5-4.

Bass Coast Shire Council recognises the past and existing trauma suffered by First Nations People.

Darren Chester, Gippsland federal National MP

NO

Darren Chester MP intends to vote no in the referendum as he believes it will further divide the community. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“I don’t support enshrining a new Canberra-based bureaucracy in our Constitution which divides Australians I believe the Prime Minister has made a mistake with this divisive proposal and he hasn’t trusted us with any details on how the Voice will actually work to improve the lives on indigenous Australians.

“I believe we live in the greatest nation in the world and further dividing us on the basis of race or heritage will only increase problems, not solve them.”

David Rooks, Bass Coast councillor

YES

Bass Coast Shire Council councillor David Rooks said he went by one sentence when discussing the Voice.

“There’s been plenty written and discussed about the Voice. If we’re not voting yes, how are you helping the First Nations people?”

Russell Broadbent, Monash federal Liberal MP

NO

Monash federal Liberal MP Russell Broadbent.

Russell Broadbent MP has made the decision to vote no for the Voice although it was his initial intention to support the referendum.

Mr Russell told the ABC his decision changed after he spoke to Indigenous elders who said they were not supporting the referendum as it would not deliver practical outcomes.

Leticia Laing, Bass Coast councillor

YES

Bass Coast Shire Council councillor Leticia Laing. Picture: Bass Coast Shire Council

“Our First Nations people are a key part of our community and they have a right to be recognised constitutionally.

“We can’t forget that First Nations people are a key part of our community.”

Clare Le Serve, Bass Coast councillor

YES

Bass Coast Shire Council councillor Clare Le Serve. Picture: Bass Coast Shire Council

Ms Le Serve said it was important to celebrate the Aboriginal culture and heritage with respect and dignity.

“I stand with them without fear or favour,” she said.

Nathan Hersey, South Gippsland mayor

WOULD NOT SAY

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Nathan Hersey. Picture: South Gippsland Shire

“Mainly because it’s not a local government matter — it’s a federal government matter.

“Each councillor has been encouraged to participate in whatever way they wish, but as far as the council goes, we don’t have a position. We really believe that our ratepayers are calling on us as councillors to focus on matters that are relevant to council and that’s where we have our focus and that’s what we will continue to do.”

Annemarie McCabe, Baw Baw Mayor

WOULD NOT SAY

Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Annemarie McCabe Picture: LinkedIn

Annemarie McCabe said council considered the decision but have chosen not to participate in the vote.

Ms McCabe said the referendum question was viewed as a federal government matter, and had not yet shared her view on the topic.