Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Our nation faces many challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis, housing and infrastructure struggles exacerbated by this government, national security concerns and, of course, always ensuring high-quality health and education systems. However, all this Labor government seems to be focused on is its divisive Canberra Voice. The upcoming referendum on 14 October won't be front of mind for many Australians, but it is important. It's a referendum that is not simply about recognition, as those opposite claim. The Voice proposal goes much further than this. If passed, it would represent the biggest change to our Constitution in our history—and Labor will not provide details before the vote. They want to provide you the details after the vote.

We all want to help Indigenous Australians in disadvantaged communities. However, this Voice is not the answer, and this is certainly understood by many within my electorate. These are some of the emails I have received in recent days. Li Wang from Forest Hill said:

In these difficult economic times, "voice" is not a priority.

Robert from Vermont wrote:

Using the 'Voice' referendum to create a race division in our society is not what I think most Australians will accept.

William from Vermont said:

… in 1967, we voted for equality and reconciliation … Please stand up for equal rights for all Australians, regardless of race.