Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I've been in the chamber for most of the debate tonight—not all of it, but most of it—and I've watched most of the bits that I haven't been in here for. If there's one thing I've learned above all else tonight it is that Australians should brace themselves for the mother of all misinformation campaigns from those who don't support the Voice. We're going to hear lies. We're going to hear deliberate misrepresentations. We're going to hear distortions. We're going to hear outright fabrications. Facts will be mercilessly and dishonestly turned into fiction. Dishonesty and pretence will dominate the arguments of those who don't support the Voice. My stomach sinks when I think about what we are collectively facing. I fear for the truth and I fear for our country and its people, in terms of what they are clearly and obviously going to be subjected to by the 'no' campaign. I fear that our country's spirit is going to be sorely tried during this debate and that our nation's heart is at risk of being torn asunder by the lies and the ripping of the fabric of truth that I have no doubt is coming from the 'no' campaign, having listened to the way that those opposite have prosecuted their agendas this evening.

I hope that our country is strong enough to collectively bear the massive pain that is coming down the line. I hope with all my heart that we collectively say yes at the referendum, but, whatever the result, this country is going to need some healing after this time, because it's going to be a dark time. And it's going to be made a lot darker by the lies that are going to be told by the 'no' campaign, by the misrepresentations, by the distortion and by the deliberate, cold, calculated stoking of fear in our community.