How Sunshine Coast politicians are voting on the Voice referendum
The Sunshine Coast’s politicians have revealed their views on the Voice. Find out here how they will be voting on the Voice referendum ahead of this weekend’s poll.
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The Sunshine Coast’s stable of politicians with differing views on the Voice have revealed how they will be voting on the referendum.
On Saturday, October 14, Australians will be asked if they approve altering the Constitution to recognise the First Nations people of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
It is proposed that the independent and permanent advisory body would provide advice to the federal government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In the lead-up to polling day, the Sunshine Coast Daily canvassed the region’s elected representatives to see how they will be voting.
It is important to disclose that the views of the politicians expressed below are their own personal views and not the views of their respective parties or councils.
Federal politicians
Ted O’Brien – Federal Member for Fairfax (LNP)
In a statement, Mr O’Brien advised that he is opposed to the Voice and he will be voting no.
“I’m voting ‘no’ at this referendum,” he said.
“Like all Australians, I want to see a material improvement in the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people, but Labor’s divisive Voice is not the solution.
“Mr Albanese expects Australians to endorse the biggest change to our Constitution since Federation, but is refusing to disclose how it will be designed and how it will operate until after people vote.
“This is too high a risk, the consequences are unknown and many legal experts predict it will be a disaster.”
Andrew Wallace – Federal Member for Fisher (LNP)
Mr Wallace is opposed to the Voice and has voted no.
“I voted ‘No’ because Labor’s Voice will permanently divide Australians along the lines of race, when we must stand together to confront pressing global challenges,” Mr Wallace said.
“It’s the most significant change to our Constitution in over 122 years, and yet we still don’t have any details.
“The reality is, more bureaucracy and bigger government won’t do anything to close the gap, and instead risks gridlocking our parliament and government for years.”
Llew O’Brien – Federal Member for Wide Bay (LNP)
Mr O’Brien outlined his stance on the Voice in a speech delivered to federal parliament in May 2023. He is opposed to the Voice and will be voting no.
“As it stands today, the Constitution treats every Australian citizen equally,” he said.
“It is everyone’s Constitution, and we are all brothers and sisters enjoying that equal citizenship.
“But we must also remember that this is the Constitution we will pass on to future generations of Australians.
“My conscience tells me I have to make decisions that will unite our children, not divide them, into the future.
“That is why I’m saying no to this legislation, I’ll be saying no at the referendum, and I’ll be voting no to the Voice.”
State politicians
Brent Mickelberg – Member for Buderim (LNP)
In a statement, Mr Mickelberg advised that he is opposed to the Voice and he will be voting no.
“I will not be supporting a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“While well intentioned, the proposal to amend our Constitution is both uncertain and legally complex.
“Like the vast majority of our community, I want to see better outcomes for Indigenous Australians; however, I don’t believe the proposed constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament is the appropriate mechanism to deliver that outcome.”
Andrew Powell – Member for Glass House (LNP)
In a statement, Mr Powell advised that he is opposed to the Voice and he will be voting no.
“I will be voting ‘No’,” he said.
“While I would readily support constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, what we are being asked to agree to goes further than that.
“And it’s that additional change that I find vague, constitutionally dangerous and divisive.
“I’m also encouraged by local Jinibara and Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi traditional owners who have told me they too are voting “no” because it won’t be “their Voice nor change anything locally”.”
Jarrod Bleijie – Member for Kawana/Deputy Opposition Leader (LNP)
In a statement, Mr Bleijie advised that he is opposed to the Voice and she will be voting no.
“Like many Australians, I support a recognition of First Australians in our Constitution. However, I do not support the extension of recognition to a constitutionally enshrined Voice,” he said.
“The Voice will become a costly, uncertain and a permanent feature of our constitutional landscape.
“We are being asked to enshrine in the Constitution a proposition that is based entirely in race.
“The notion that all Australians are equal before the law is being thrown out the door.
“We are first and foremost Australians. That’s why I will be voting ‘no’.”
Fiona Simpson – Member for Maroochydore (LNP)
In a statement, Ms Simpson advised that she is opposed to the Voice and she will be voting no.
“I’m respectfully voting no, this constitutional change is too risky,” she said.
“There’s a better way to bridge the gap and not divide the nation.
“Record numbers of Indigenous Australians elected to our parliament are asking the tough questions of those funded to deliver services to the most vulnerable.
“They have a voice to our parliament, making a real difference.
“A separately appointed and non-elected “Voice” undermines them and divides Australians on race.”
Robert Skelton – Member for Nicklin (Labor)
In a statement, Mr Skelton advised that he is supportive of the Voice and he will be voting yes.
“I am voting in support of the Voice to Parliament,” he said.
“It’s a crucial step towards recognising the unique perspectives and needs of Indigenous Australians in our democratic process.
“The Voice fosters inclusivity, ensuring that First Nation voices are heard and respected.
“By working together, we can create a more equitable and representative Australia for all.”
Jason Hunt – Member for Caloundra (Labor)
The Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt MP did not return a comment by the deadline.
Sandy Bolton – State Member for Noosa (Independent)
The Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton did not return a comment by the deadline.
Sunshine Coast Council
Mayor Mark Jamieson
Mayor Mark Jamieson did not return a comment by the deadline.
Deputy Mayor Rick Baberowski (Division 1)
Deputy Mayor Baberowski did not provide how he would be voting on the Voice, but did issue the following statement:
“I don’t believe I can add any new information, so my view is that our community already has all the information it needs to vote in this referendum,” he said.
Cr Terry Landsberg (Division 2)
Councillor Terry Landsberg did not return a comment by the deadline.
Cr Peter Cox (Division 3)
In a statement, Councillor Cox advised that he is supportive of the Voice and will be voting yes.
“I will pre-empt my response by saying that this isn’t a local council issue and as a result I haven’t been canvassing the community on their opinions,” Mr Cox said.
“For me, the referendum question is a simple one and I’ll personally be supporting the Voice to parliament as a step towards reconciliation.
“This is an important decision, which has unfortunately been used as a political football by our leaders in Canberra, and I hope that we can come together to enact this change to our Constitution.”
Cr Joe Natoli (Division 4)
Councillor Natoli did not provide how he would be voting on the Voice, but did issue the following statement:
“I am a great believer that it is the responsibility of everyone to be informed before they vote and should form their own opinion,” he said.
“How I vote is for me to know.
“Our voting system is designed to provide the opportunity for everyone to place their vote in privacy and to retain confidentiality.”
Cr Winston Johnston (Division 5)
Councillor Johnston did not provide his thoughts or how he would be voting on the Voice, but did issue the following statement:
“This is an issue for individuals to research and decide to either vote yes or no, local councillors have no right to influence how people vote,” he said.
Cr Christian Dickson (Division 6)
Councillor Dickson did not provide how he would be voting on the Voice, but did issue the following statement:
“While we may not always agree on issues as a nation, the ability to cast your vote privately should be respected,” he said.
“I will be respecting my own privacy as I would anyone’s right to vote how they want.
“This is the basis of what I believe to be a free democracy and something Australians should be proud to protect.”
Cr Ted Hungerford (Division 7)
Councillor Hungerford did not provide how he would be voting on the Voice, but did issue the following statement:
“One of the great things about this country is we live in a democracy where we have an anonymous voting system,” he said.
“Many people around the world do not have this luxury that many before us have fought and died for.
“I do not ask people how they are voting on this issue, but I do encourage everyone to exercise their right to have their say anonymously and I encourage everyone whether they are voting for or against to exercise their right.”
Cr Jason O’Pray (Division 8)
Councillor Jason O’Pray did not return a comment by the deadline.
Cr Maria Suarez (Division 9)
Councillor Suarez did not provide how she would be voting on the Voice, but did issue the following statement:
“I have listened to a number of individuals regarding the Voice Referendum, including First Nations people,” she said.
“To ensure that I am making a fully informed decision, I have sought out information to understand exactly what the referendum would mean for First Nations people and our country.
“The Voice Referendum has become purposefully complicated and divisive among the community.
“My family know how I intend to vote on the Voice Referendum and I am comfortable with my decision.
“Out of respect for the varied views of the people I have spoken with and a desire to not add to the divisiveness, I will keep my vote choice private as it is not in the public interest as to which way I vote.”
Cr David Law (Division 10)
In a statement, Councillor Law advised that he is supportive of the Voice and will be voting yes.
“I will be voting yes and here is why,” he said.
“In The Uluru Statement from the Heart it says, “ … we seek to be heard”. Without a Voice you cannot be heard.
“The creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart involved thousands of First Nations people coming from all points of the southern sky to provide one collective statement from First Nations people.
“It is an invitation to all Australians to come together in genuine reconciliation and walk together for our Nation’s future.
“In 2023 I will be voting Yes to provide First Nations people recognition in the Constitution and a Voice to the Australian parliament.”
Noosa Council
Mayor Clare Stewart
Mayor Clare Stewart did not return a comment by the deadline.
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie did not return a comment by the deadline.
Cr Brian Stockwell
In a statement, Councillor Stockwell advised that he is supportive of the Voice and will be voting yes.
“In 2017 First Nations peoples agreed on the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” he said.
“It in part declares:
“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.”
“When I cast my ‘Yes’ vote I won’t be thinking about any party political agendas nor the misinformation campaigns.
“I’ll be voting as a parent knowing this small change may help make the lives of Indigenous children that little bit better in the future.”
Cr Karen Finzel
Councillor Finzel did not provide how she would vote.
“At this stage I will not be making a public comment in relation to the Voice Referendum,” she said.
Cr Joe Jurisevic
Councillor Joe Jurisevic did not return a comment by the deadline.
Cr Amelia Lorentson
Councillor Amelia Lorentson did not return a comment by the deadline.
Cr Tom Wegener
Councillor Wegener is supportive of the Voice and will be voting yes.
“I believe in the process and sincerity of the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” he said.
“I believe listening to the Voice of First Nation Peoples will improve our understanding of issues on a national level, and, as individuals, it will help us develop our personal identities and our understanding of the world around us.”
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