Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto confirms he’ll say No on Indigenous voice to parliament

John Pesutto has declared he will vote No in next month’s referendum, arguing that the objectives of the voice can be achieved without changing the Constitution.

Victorian Opposiiton Leader John Pesutto. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

John Pesutto has declared he will vote No in next month’s referendum, arguing that the objectives of the voice can be achieved without changing the Constitution.

The Victorian Opposition Leader, in announcing his position, said he wanted a positive outcome for First Nations people and said this sentiment was shared between Yes and No voters alike.

“Putting aside whether one supports or opposes the voice, I ­believe the objectives of the voice can be achieved without constitutional change,” Mr Pesutto said.

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

“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 of culture bequeathed by their ancestors down the ages.”

The decision not to support a voice to parliament comes after what the Opposition Leader described as “careful consideration”.

“I have decided to vote no in the upcoming referendum on the voice,” he said in a statement released on Monday, which went on to say that he strongly supported “recognition of First Nations people in our foundation document, the Constitution”.

Victorian MPs will be free to cast conscience votes next month after the Liberal Party had voted in favour of a non-binding position ahead of the referendum.

Most notably, Liberal MP Jess Wilson has indicated she will support the voice next month.

Should the referendum succeed, Mr Pesutto confirmed he would “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,” Mr Pesutto said.