Voice 2023: Are Qlders racist for voting no? What you said

Does voting ‘No’ make you racist? The fears of Queenslanders about the Voice campaign appear to be growing. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

“Australia has become divided.”

In four words one reader summed up the sentiment of many Queenslanders, with News Corp polling painting a bleak picture for the Voice referendum’s hopes of a ‘Yes’ vote.

In a 11-question online test based on the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ pamphlets, results show that Queenslanders – and wider Australians – remain fearful of the race divide being created by the October 14 referendum.

In fact 82 per cent of more than 50,000 readers supported the view that “The Voice creates different classes of citizenship through an unknown body.”

TAKE THE ONLINE TEST BELOW >>>

Only 18 per cent backed “It’s important to send a powerful message to the world about Australia’s unity.”

There also appears to be serious concern about the long-term impact of the ‘Yes’ vote.

About 85 per cent chose the option: “Once in the Constitution it won’t be undone. We’re stuck with negative impacts.”

The remaining 15 per cent voted: “The Voice creates stability for frank advice detached from short-term politics.”

The online test results come in the wake of a Newspoll which shows support for the ‘Yes’ campaign has slipped to its lowest levels yet.

Readers have been quick to also savage the lack of details and raise concerns about dividing the nation.

Take the test below and join the conversation >>>

■ FULL LIST: Every Qld polling booth

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to be fighting a losing battle. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

WHAT YOU SAID

Denis tha Menace

There is absolutely no need of a Voice, all the infrastructure is in place to close the Gap, Money, Beauracrats, Politicians, just get the Job done, Listening to their needs is essential. Albo You keep on telling the Public the problems facing our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Peoples, just solve them, another Voice is not the answer, let common sense prevail. LISTEN, LEARN, ACT.

Jon & Lou

Can’t wait to vote “no” to a divided referendum. Australians are caring harmonious people creating a negative perspective is not happening.

Mark

The YES vote has made the Australian public so sick of disingenuous people. They deserve all that is coming to them for treating average Australians as fools. A couple of famous people telling us how to vote means absolutely nothing to intelligent people who understand these people are just actors or athletes with no more worldly ability as anyone else. Famous people can often be less likely to have down to earth knowledge of many subjects

Kora

I’ll be 1st in line and no postal vote for me … I want to see my precious piece of NO slide into that box …

ici aussi

remember you are voting for a constitutionally enshrined voice that will carry important authority, derived from its permanent constitutional status perpetually enshrined based in Canberra at the expense of all Australians “no” free pass

Sally S

Yes. A sustained campaign of misinformation can cause a slide in the good will which early polls recorded strong Aussie support for an advisory voice.

Yes. Some schemes to help first nations communities have failed, because of payments to those supposed to be implementing them and little consultation with, or voice for, those actually involved.

Yes. Lots of anonymous, repetitious, ill informed comment in texts and social media, by those who don’t put their name to their non evidence based opinions, can besmirch the positive suggestion that a bit advice, from those who may need support, would help.

The Elephant

I urge voters to just vote for what they believe is best for them and their family, not because some high profile footballer or entertainer tells you what you should do.

Jacqueline

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” If that is the case then absolutely EVERYTHING will relate to them as they are Australian, like the rest of us. They will have the power to question every decision made. They will slow government down and, as always, cost huge amounts of taxpayer dollars.

Carpe Diem

Do any of the Yes points in the Reasons to vote yes have factual support? The closest is “This idea came directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people” – but from a group of activists.

Another of the points is that it brings Australia together – based on the arguments by both sides, clearly the evidence shows this has caused Australia to become divided.

TAKE THE TEST:

Originally published as Voice 2023: Are Qlders racist for voting no? What you said