…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Following the resignation of long-time Voice supporter Julian Leeser, Country Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has reportedly had discussions with Peter Dutton regarding the role of the Coalition’s Indigenous Australians spokesperson.
While speaking to Sky News, Ms Price confirmed that the role had been mentioned to her, and that there was significant support across the country for the position.
However, she added that she was grateful for Mr Dutton’s visit to Alice Springs and did not want the new role to distract from her work on the ground.
Background
Ms Price has been a vocal opponent of the Labor government’s policies on Indigenous issues in the Northern Territory, particularly on the rising crime rates in Alice Springs.
The Coalition is now searching for a new Indigenous affairs spokesman after Mr Leeser’s resignation from the frontbench.
Senator Kerrynne Liddle from South Australia has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the role.
Recent Resignations
Country Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said she had ‘discussions’ with the opposition leader about becoming the Coalition’s Indigenous Australians spokesperson
Mr Leeser’s resignation from the frontbench as shadow attorney-general and shadow minister for Indigenous Australians follows the recent resignation of former Indigenous Australians cabinet minister Ken Wyatt from the Liberal Party.
Mr Wyatt had made history as the first Aboriginal member of the House of Representatives in 2010.
Additionally, Andrew Gee MP quit the Nationals in December 2021 to sit as an independent over the Voice issue, which is going to a referendum in 2023.
What is the Voice?
The Voice refers to an elected body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who would provide advice to the federal government.
The representatives would be chosen by Australians of Indigenous heritage, and a referendum would be held to establish the Voice.
The purpose of the Voice would be to provide advice to the cabinet and executive government about legislation, particularly proposed laws affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart, based on the input of 250 Aboriginal leaders, called for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.
The Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Final Report, co-authored by Tom Calma and Marcia Langton, was given to former Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government in 2021.
While the Liberal Party supports recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution, it does not support an enshrined national Voice in the Constitution, with Mr Dutton criticizing it as a potential Canberra bureaucracy.
Commentary
The resignation of Mr Leeser as shadow minister for Indigenous Australians highlights the continuing divisions within the Coalition over the Voice issue.
While the Liberal Party supports recognizing Indigenous Australians in the Constitution, it remains opposed to the establishment of an enshrined national Voice.
The resignation of Mr Leeser and others highlights the ongoing debate around Indigenous rights and representation in Australia, and the need for ongoing dialogue and consultation with Indigenous communities.
The discussions around the Coalition’s Indigenous spokesperson role highlight the importance of ensuring that Indigenous Australians are represented and consulted in government decision-making.