Warren Mundine slams ABC over alleged ‘Voice’ bias

Warren Mundine, a prominent advocate for the “No” campaign, has strongly criticised the national broadcaster.

Indigenous leader Warren Mundine has accused the ABC of bias regarding the Voice to Parliament.

Appearing on the News Breakfast program, Mundine, a prominent advocate for the “No” campaign, strongly criticised the national broadcaster.

The ongoing debate surrounding the Voice proposal has intensified, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivering a speech on Monday night at the annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration in Adelaide.

The speech has already drawn criticism from Opposition leader Peter Dutton, who objected to the use of terms like “chicken littles” and “doomsayers” to describe opponents of the Voice.

Mundine made a plea to both Prime Minister Albanese and Opposition Leader Dutton.

The term “chicken littles” is derived from a European folk tale about a chicken that believes the world is ending and the sky is falling.

In his speech, Mr Albanese will dismiss criticism of the Voice dividing the nation and express confidence in the referendum’s success.

Mundine vigorously defended Dutton’s critique of the Voice and his call for Justice Ian Harrison of the NSW Supreme Court to step down due to his comments about a ‘No’ campaigner, Pat Conaghan.

Warren Mundine was involved in a fiery clash on the ABC.

Dutton had warned that the Voice could lead to “Orwellian” consequences, where some Australians “would be more equal than others”, alluding to George Orwell’s satirical novel, Animal Farm.

“I believe Peter Dutton has a valid point. This campaign is becoming increasingly divisive and filled with hatred,” Mundine said.

“Peter Dutton is right, and this campaign hasn’t even begun yet. The polling and the sentiments in the community clearly show that this referendum is dividing Australia.”

Mundine called for Justice Harrison‘s removal after he sent an email from his work account to Nationals MP Pat Conaghan, describing him as “disgusting” and “racist” for opposing the Voice.

Warren Mundine has accused the ABC of bias during a fiery interview over the Voice to Parliament. pic.twitter.com/cvVIB1ZGzI

— Clown Down Under 🤡 (@clowndownunder) May 29, 2023

Additionally, he criticised the ABC for failing to address the hurtful comments made by supporters of the ‘Yes’ campaign against their opponents. He expressed his bewilderment at the fact that those who were supposed to support unity were, in fact, dividing the country.

Mr Mundine also accused the AEC of “crossing the line” with its ‘Our Vote, Our Future’ campaign, which has been running on social media and other advertisements to show and encourage Australians to update their enrolment and enrol for the first time if they haven’t.

The AEC has publicly rejected Mundine’s claim of bias.

During the interview, ABC host Madeleine Morris clarified that Mundine’s remarks about the judge’s comments were his personal views and not endorsed by the ABC.

Mundine hit back, emphasising the need for a balanced approach and for the ABC to hold those making racial attacks accountable.

As tensions escalated, Morris attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Recognising Mundine’s prominent role in the ‘No’ campaign, she assured him that the ABC would continue to provide platforms for both sides of the debate. At the end of the segment, she reiterated that Mr Mundine’s opinions were regarding the exchange with the NSW judge.

Mundine emphasised the need for a balanced approach and for the ABC to hold those making racial attacks accountable.

Later, Mundine made a plea to both Prime Minister Albanese and Opposition Leader Dutton. He urged them to stand together and denounce the divisive rhetoric, emphasising the importance of a mature and sensible conversation.

He expressed concern that the ongoing campaign was causing severe divisions within the country.

On the same evening, Prime Minister Albanese delivered the annual Lowitja O‘Donoghue Oration in Adelaide. During his speech, he criticised opponents of the Voice, dismissing claims that it would divide the nation.

He expressed confidence in the referendum’s success, stating that Australians would not succumb to fear tactics or the exaggerated warnings of the ‘No’ campaign.

The Australian Electoral Commission has subsequently rejected claims by Mundine that enrolment ads ahead of the Voice referendum are biased.