Anthony Albanese’s odd choice to support the voice
O’Neal’s cameo appearance at the Prime Minister’s press conference on Saturday added nothing to the debate. Nor is the issue anything to do with the American NBA star and Lakers legend, who is better known these days for promoting online gambling.
If Mr Albanese thinks O’Neal’s support – or that of any other high-profile celebrity – will help persuade young people about the cause, he is probably mistaken.
O’Neal’s walk-on, walk-off bit part with Mr Albanese and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney was cringeworthy, strange and confusing. At 216cm, O’Neal towered over them, making them look small and diminished.
It also united Coalition senator Jacinta Price and the Greens’ Lidia Thorpe, who both condemned the press conference stunt with O’Neal as out of touch and ill-advised.
Well meaning as it was, O’Neal’s intervention was hardly a ringing endorsement of the “Yes’’ case. “I’m here in your country,’’ he said. “Whatever you need from me, just let me know.” Mr Albanese, sounding a bit starstruck, replied: “Fantastic.’’ It was anything but.
It would be dangerous to think young voters are naive enough to be swayed by celebrity endorsement. Like all Australians, they will make up their minds on the merits of the case for a voice.
Australia has no lack of outstanding Indigenous sporting stars, singers, artists and other celebrities, if that is what is called for.
While Mr Albanese says he is seeking “broad support’’ for the “Yes’’ case, he need not look overseas to people who will not have a vote.
Nor can this referendum be won or lost on the basis of celebrity endorsement, for or against.
On a fundamental constitutional question about our identity as a nation, Australians need to make up their minds on the basis of facts and analysis about what a voice would offer their disadvantaged Indigenous countrymen and women.
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Anthony Albanese’s good judgment deserted him in bringing in retired US basketballer Shaquille O’Neal to support the campaign for an Indigenous voice to parliament.