James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

ator McGRATH () (): As I speak on the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023, I would like to talk about why I believe Australians should vote no to the proposed Voice to Parliament. Despite the constant attacks from the 'yes' campaign which are directed at anyone who questions the Voice's merits, it is important that we have an open and honest conversation about this topic. We must consider the potential consequences and evaluate whether this proposal truly aligns with the quintessential Australian values of fairness, unity and democracy. Where the answer to a question about a potential consequence is, 'I don't know,' the safe choice is to vote no. If you don't know, you should vote no.

First and foremost, let's talk about how the Voice will be divisive. We all know that addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians is crucial. This is something governments of all levels invest billions of dollars of taxpayers' money in doing each and every year. On this, it's essential to remember that not all Indigenous Australians support this Voice, this model or this change. By enshrining it in the Constitution we run the risk of creating a national divide based on race, because race has no place in our Constitution.

This proposal goes against the Australian values of inclusivity and unity. It goes against the boisterous, liberal, multicultural democracy that we've built here. We should strive for a system that treats all Australians equally and doesn't enshrine a permanent divide in our nation. We have seen how this Voice can be divisive in recent days, when a campaign session run by the 'yes' case has shown their ugly sides. It was not just sad; it made me angry to see a GetUp-aligned, pro-Voice campaign telling its supporters to deliberately alienate their fellow Australians as part of a cynical ploy to shame people into voting yes. This ugly attitude, this win-at-all-costs attitude of the 'yes' side, badly marks the 'yes' campaign. No genuine political campaign should seek to provoke racist attacks, which cause harm to so many Australians. This cynical attitude is typical of a 'yes' campaign that likes to talk about uniting Australia but in reality is doing the opposite. It attacks anyone who dares to question it and deliberately seeks to provoke fellow Australians. If the 'yes' campaign was serious about uniting our nation it would cut all ties with this group of GetUp activists. This divide-and-conquer strategy must be rejected.

Moreover, let's acknowledge the potential dangers of the Voice. All fair-minded members of this place should agree that constitutional change should be carefully thought through. The Albanese government's approach of figuring out the details after the vote is concerning, to say the least. Our Constitution is not something to be toyed with lightly. Our Constitution is not something to be treated like a draft press release for the Labor Party. We must ensure that any changes are well considered and won't undermine our democratic processes. Running into something without clear plans and details is a recipe for uncertainty and unintended consequences.

Unlike previous referenda, there's been no constitutional convention to devise an agreeable and unifying approach. Without this, we've arrived in this place where those who were once advocates for change on the conservative side of politics have been shut out, ignored and alienated. So it's perhaps not surprising that polling on the Voice shows that support continues to decrease and has actually spiralled to under 50 per cent this week.

Let's talk about fairness. It's crucial to recognise that within the Indigenous community there are diverse perspectives and not everyone supports a taxpayer funded lobby group enshrined in our Constitution. Fairness means that all Australians, regardless of their background, should have an equal opportunity to participate in our democratic process—fairness for the oldest Australians and for the newest Australian migrant. We must be cautious about creating a system that gives a certain individuals or groups greater influence solely based on their race or ethnicity. Our aim should be to create a level playing field for all Australians. The concerns about Labor's proposed Voice to Parliament are genuine and deserve attention.

It is an easy talking point for the other side, but the legitimate question of the government's agenda is actually a very normal part of democracy. Questioning the prime minister's approach is not muddying the waters or sowing doubt. It is actually something you can do in our country. We do have those freedoms. For it to be otherwise would go against our rich democratic tradition. It would go against all those who have given their all so we can continue to live in a free and liberal democracy.

But let me make one thing clear. My party, the Queensland Liberal-Nationals, will not be standing for lectures from Labor, from the left, when it comes to Indigenous voices. We have a proud history of embracing Indigenous representation. My party, the Liberal-National party, selected Australia's first Indigenous federal parliamentarian, Neville Bonner, in 1971. Neville Bonner's commitment to Liberal and conservative principles and his advocacy for Indigenous rights set him apart during his time in this place and when he left this building. Despite facing harsh criticism from left-wing activists, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to champion the cause of his community. Bonner's unique position as both an Indigenous activist and a Liberal allowed him to bridge divides and advocate for change within the framework of Liberal values. His legacy serves as a reminder to those left-wing political ideologues that they should not limit anyone's commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of Australians. I should also mention that Neville Bonner's great-niece, Senator Joanna Lindgren also served in this place, representing my party, the party of Senator Scarr beside me and the state of Queensland.

Not long after Neville Bonner's election, in 1974 we proudly elected Eric Deeral as the first ever Indigenous state MP. Eric Deeral's story was truly remarkable. Coming from humble beginnings, he faced the harsh realities that Indigenous people in North Queensland experienced firsthand. His journey from a young labourer and ringer up to being a passionate advocate for his community led him to public service. In the fierce Cook electorate contest in 1974 he emerged victorious. What set Eric apart was his unwavering dedication to serving all the people of the Cook electorate, regardless of their race or ethnicity. In his maiden speech to the Queensland parliament, he emphasised that his mission was to improve the lives of everyone in Far North Queensland. He championed better infrastructure, such as improved roads, and boosted tourism. He wanted to create employment opportunities. He fought for more schools and increased access to healthcare services, prioritising the wellbeing of his constituents.

Eric Deeral embodied the qualities of an exceptional local representative. He didn't need a Voice to Parliament because he was the voice to parliament. Neville Bonner didn't need a Voice to Parliament; he was the voice to parliament. Senator Liddle doesn't need a Voice to Parliament; Senator Liddle is the voice in this parliament. Senator Nampijinpa Price doesn't need a Voice to Parliament because she is the voice to parliament. This is the difference between us and the left.

Even after losing his seat in the 1977 state election, Eric Deeral continued his remarkable service to his local community. He served as chairperson of the Aboriginal Coordination Council. He continued to work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. But Eric's legacy extends far beyond his time in parliament. He opposed the paternalistic policies of the Whitlam government and staunchly advocated for the rights of his fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He argued passionately against handouts, recognising that true empowerment comes from self-reliance and self-respect.

We should all pay tribute to Eric and to Neville as being those true warriors for the cause of freedom and also for the cause that is Queensland. We should remember their legacy and we should engage in an open, respectful and empathetic conversation that takes into account the potential consequences, and ensures that any changes we make to the Constitution, or propose to make to our Constitution, uphold our Australian values of fairness, unity and respect for our liberal democracy. Together, this place should be working across the aisle to find alternative approaches that promote inclusivity, empower local and regional communities, and address the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians in a manner that respects the founding principles of our nation.

I believe there's a better way forward that will truly unite our country, but it is not by putting race in our Constitution. Race has no place in our Constitution. Our Constitution should be colourblind. Our Constitution should see all Australians for who we are; that we are equal—that whether you've been here since the Dreamtime, or whether you've been here as someone who arrived on the First Fleet or in the waves of immigration that have come to this country, we're all equal, regardless of the colour of our skin. We should look to the soul within people and judge them on that, rather than judge people on the basis of their race.

I will be voting against this bill and, I will be working my hardest in Queensland to ensure that Queensland votes no to this proposed constitutional change.