COFFS Harbour State Labor Candidate Tony Judge has expressed his profound disappointment with the National Party’s decision to oppose the Voice to Parliament.

He has called for local Nationals representatives to make their position clear on the issue and to use their influence to effect a change in party policy.

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“The Voice is a proposal that was developed through years of patient, thoughtful consultation and negotiation,” Mr Judge said.

“It is a modest suggestion to establish a body to advise Parliament on issues affecting Indigenous people.

“It is guided by the principle that Indigenous Australians are best placed to advocate on their own behalf, without their voices being filtered through layers of bureaucracy as is often the case at present.”

Mr Judge pointed out that opinion polls show that the Voice is supported by 73 percent of Australians, who recognize both the practical and symbolic value of such a body.

He said they recognize that the ultimate decision on whether to act on the advice will still rest with the elected members of the Australian Parliament, but also that a direct, unfiltered voice should lead to better decisions.

“It is profoundly disappointing that the Nationals have taken a decision to oppose the Voice even before they have the details of the proposal or a date for the referendum,” Mr Judge said.

“I struggle to see how they can reconcile that position with their claim that they wish to ‘empower’ Indigenous communities.

“What could be more empowering than a direct voice to Parliament?”

Mr Judge noted that The Nationals’ decision has been roundly criticised by Indigenous leaders from all sides of Australian politics.

“Not just Senator Pat Dodson, the father of reconciliation in Australia, but leaders like Noel Pearson who have a strong relationship with the conservative side of politics and even Ken Wyatt, the most recent Minister for Indigenous Affairs in the Morrison Government, has criticised the Nationals position, calling it ‘extremely disappointing’.”

Mr Judge also observed that the Nationals themselves are by no means united in opposition to the Voice, which provides an opportunity for our local Nationals to have a voice of their own.

“West Australian Nationals leader Mia Davies has thrown her support behind the Voice and noted that it can proceed at the same time as practical measures to close the gap and empower Indigenous Australians.

“Nationals frontbencher Andrew Gee also affirmed his support for the Voice and made it clear he would cross the floor in Parliament to support it.

“The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, has stated that it is up to individual Nationals MPs whether they want to campaign against the Voice, so it is important that our local National Party representatives also make their position clear.

“This is an opportunity for them to stand with indigenous people in our region and across Australia to support a clear, direct Voice,” Mr Judge said.

Uncle Gary Wiiliams, a Gumbaynggirr elder, told News Of The Area, “I think it is premature of the National Party to oppose the Voice and it smacks of bigotry.

“People should wait until there is a full picture before making up their minds.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said, “It is important for Indigenous Australians to be involved in decisions that impact their lives.

“I will be interested to see how the Voice to Parliament proposal will work and I will consult with the local Gumbaynggirr community to hear their views.

“Little detail has been provided to date, and I look forward to seeing more information released in 2023,” Mr Singh said.

Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan was contacted for comment but did not respond in time for publication.

By Andrew VIVIAN