Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto says no to the Voice

The former chair of Victoria’s First Peoples’ Assembly has called Victorian Opposition leader John Pesutto’s position on the Voice referendum “p-ss weak” in an extraordinary spray.

Former chair of Victoria’s First Peoples’ Assembly and prominent Yes campaigner Marcus Stewart has slammed John Pesutto’s “piss weak” position on the Voice referendum.

The Opposition Leader this week revealed he had ultimately decided to vote no because he believed the objectives of the Voice can be achieved without constitutional change.

“Governments at all levels should continue to improve their frameworks to engage Indigenous voices and meaningfully enhance the life opportunities of First Nations people,” he said.

“I strongly support Recognition of First Nations people in our foundational document, the Constitution.

“I greatly respect many Yes advocates who are urging constitutional change and I embrace the same exalted aims for our country that would see all First Nations people share in Australia’s limitless promise.”

Mr Stewart accused Mr Pesutto of taking his “disappointing” stance to save his job.

“Clearly the only way for him to remain opposition leader was for him to become Peter’s (Dutton) political puppet,” he said.

“John’s clearly seen the writing on the wall and decided to back a no vote to ensure his short term political survival and during that time wrote himself a bucket list of things to do before the good people of Hawthorn vote him out.

“The top of that list is a couple of public appearances with the Premier. One thing that clearly isn’t on his bucket list, is improving the lives of Aboriginal people.”

Premier Daniel Andrews this week said Mr Pesutto is voting no to protect his job.

Mr Pesutto, who has vowed to not campaign on the Voice, said he is committed to working to make it a success if the referendum succeeds.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto does not support an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Picture: David Geraghty

Mr Pesutto’s position comes as latest Newspoll figures show support for the Voice has fallen to 38 per cent compared to 53 per cent against it.

“I greatly respect many Yes advocates who are urging constitutional change and I embrace the same exalted aims for our country that would see all First Nations people share in Australia’s limitless promise,” Mr Pesutto said.

“Reasonable differences of opinion over our path need not foreclose common bonds over our destination: to eliminate disadvantage suffered by First Nations people and honour the sacred traditions and culture bequeathed by their ancestors down the ages.”

The Victorian coalition has adopted a non-binding position on the referendum.

At least one frontbench MP, Jess Wilson, has indicated an intention to back the Voice.

“Governments at all levels should continue to improve their frameworks to engage Indigenous voices and meaningfully enhance the life opportunities of First Nations people,” Mr Pesutto said.

“My decision notwithstanding, if the referendum succeeds, I commit to working positively to make the Voice a success.

“If the referendum is not successful, we must all rally to advance the wider cause of reconciliation and unite to close those gaps in life outcomes which, to this day, deny so many First Nations people the dignity and equality of opportunity they deserve.”