Dutton Accuses Albanese Government of 'Secret Plan' to Reintroduce Voice Through Legislation
Opposition leader challenges government to be "upfront and honest" about post-referendum intentions
Peter Dutton has accused the Albanese government of planning to implement elements of the defeated Voice to Parliament proposal through legislation if reelected, calling on the Prime Minister to reveal his intentions to voters before election day.
"Annika Wells, ex-Cabinet Minister in the Albanese government, has now offered a position in relation to The Voice as well, obviously lending her support to Penny Wong's position," Dutton claims, suggesting that Voice mechanisms would be introduced "presumably through legislation" in a potential second Albanese term.
Dutton frames this as disrespect for the referendum result: "You sent a very clear message to the Prime Minister that you said no to the voice and now the Prime Minister is saying back to you, well, we've got this secret plan when we're in government to reintroduce the voice in the form of legislation."
The opposition leader calls for greater transparency: "The government should be upfront and honest, and the Prime Minister should be honest with the Australian people on the voice and what this means for people if they vote Labor at this election."
When later questioned about Noel Pearson's proposal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture to be taught as a standalone subject in schools, Dutton expresses openness: "I've been a strong supporter of Noel Pearson for a long period of time, so I think we should take on board carefully what he's had to say."
However, Dutton quickly pivots back to economic messaging: "As we go into the election, I think the main thing people are concentrating on is which side of politics is better off to help them and their families over the course of the next three years."
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