Hypocrisy rules for Nats in Voice referendum decision

The National Party’s decision to oppose a First Nations Voice at the upcoming referendum is premature and petty. The reason articulated by the leader David Littleproud, “unfortunately, we got to a position where we don’t believe this will genuinely close the gap,” is jarring given the Coalition has been in power for the majority of the closing the gap campaign.

This is predictably shameful behaviour from the Nationals who have a record of performative benevolence when it comes to its approach to Indigenous issues.

Nationals leader David Littleproud surrounded by his colleagues as they announce their opposition to the Voice referendum.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The failure of past governments to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health, education and life-expectancy outcomes is precisely why a First Nations Voice is necessary. The practical benefit of having a First Nations Voice that is protected by the Constitution and mandated by the Australian people at referendum ensures it exists beyond volatile political cycles.

This guarantee provides durability of the Voice and certainty of Indigenous input into Indigenous policy beyond status quo party politics, which is crucial for the long-term vision required to close the gap.

Closing the gap is one of many reasons we must continue to campaign Yes for a First Nations Voice. There is already work being done within the states and territories, which the Nationals seem to ignore, such as the Coalition of the Peak Aboriginal organisations in NSW, who share responsibility with the state to address inequities identified by the federal closing-the-gap targets.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shakes hands with Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Galarrwuy Yunupingu when he recommended changes to the constitution.Credit:AAP

The NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs also assured that the Perrottet government supported the Voice. In fact, on August 17, 2022, all state and territory ministers responsible for Indigenous Affairs met with the federal minister, Linda Burney, and “agreed to continue to back the Australian government’s work towards an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the Australian parliament enshrined in the Constitution”. These are the ministers primarily responsible for the delivery of health, education and incarceration policies that affect frontline closing-the-gap issues.

So why was the federal National Party so quick to argue a No case when it comes to recognising a First Nations Voice in our national life?

The idea that First Nations people ought to demonstrate its practical benefits yet politicians retain all the decision-making power is hypocrisy to the highest degree and is the kind of ideology that places Indigenous affairs in turmoil. It is easier to blame Indigenous communities for policy failures where there is a power imbalance in the relationship.