Opinion: Shane Love on why the Voice to Parliament will only divide, not unite, if it’s voted through

As the Voice referendum looms large, The Nationals WA have expressed support for a No vote, canvassed by a backdrop of constitutional concerns and pressing questions unanswered that deserve closer examination. Simply put, we, along with majority of West Australians, do not trust the Labor Party to get this right. At our State Conference party members outlined their concerns with Labor’s proposed Voice to Parliament: the potential risk posed to our Constitution and the numerous unanswered questions surrounding this significant proposal. We understand this is a decision for every West Australian to make and one that should be made from a place of goodwill. The concerns voiced by The Nationals WA may serve as a reminder that in matters as significant as this, haste should not override prudence, and bipartisanship should be the guiding principle to pave the way for a brighter future for all Australians. Polling shows the vast majority of Australians are apprehensive of the Labor Party’s ability to effectively implement the Voice proposal. And why shouldn’t they be? Labor has stumbled at each hurdle to placate Australians as to why their Voice is the answer. Our scepticism about the Labor Party’s ability to implement the Voice proposal effectively echoes the reservations of many who believe that hasty and ill-conceived reforms could do more harm than good. It is crucial to draw attention to the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to constitutional reform, particularly in matters as sensitive and vital as Indigenous affairs. Over the past few months, West Australians have watched in dismay as WA Labor takes actions that deeply undercut our regional communities. Labor’s decision to remove regional voices from the Upper House silences the unique perspectives of our remote communities, many of them the home of Indigenous West Australians, the very people the Voice claims to be representing. The deplorable handling of WA Labor’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act is yet another stark reminder of Labor’s inability to truly comprehend and respect the diverse tapestry of communities that make up our great state. The Nationals WA’s concerns remain unanswered. Constitutional changes have far-reaching consequences, and all aspects of the proposal must be thoroughly scrutinised and debated. Questions about the practicality of implementation, potential conflicts with existing constitutional provisions, and the precise scope of the Voice has not been addressed by Labor to ensure a robust and effective framework. Our decision as a party to support No highlights the need for bipartisan collaboration and consensus on Indigenous affairs and achieving meaningful progress in this area requires the cooperation of all major political parties. The Voice proposal, if implemented, could become a divisive issue rather than a unifying force. It is telling that our Premier hasn’t even been present in Western Australia to campaign for the Yes vote. He disappears during a crisis and, unlike Nationals Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price who has not stopped travelling and campaigning for the No vote for months, won’t even campaign in his home State. Dodger Roger, our so-called Premier, knows the cause is lost. Shane Love is Opposition Leader, Nationals WA leader and Moore MP