John Pesutto, the Victorian Liberal leader, has remained tight-lipped about his stance on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, even though the referendum is only months away. Despite criticizing Premier Dan Andrews for lack of transparency, Pesutto refused to disclose his view on the Voice during an interview on Melbourne radio.
When asked about his position, Pesutto said, “I will make my position known closer to the date of the referendum whenever it’s scheduled.” He explained that as the state opposition leader, his main focus is on state priorities and issues. Pesutto acknowledged that the Indigenous Voice is an important national discussion but stated that he is currently listening to the debate and considering the issues.
While Pesutto remains undecided, most of his party members have already taken a clear stance on the Voice. Out of the 29 Liberal MPs in Parliament, 19 have confirmed that they will oppose the Indigenous Voice. Jess Wilson, a frontbencher, is the only Liberal MP so far to publicly support the Voice.
Although Pesutto has had ample time to deliberate on the issue, he admitted that he is still weighing up both sides of the argument. “I haven’t landed… I have some reservations about different aspects, but I understand the importance of it,” Pesutto stated. He emphasized that he is not trying to evade the issue and acknowledged that he owes the Victorian people a clear position. However, he is still considering all of the arguments before finalizing his stance on the Indigenous Voice.
The lack of transparency concerning Pesutto’s position on the Indigenous Voice has raised questions about his commitment to openness and accountability in politics. Some critics argue that as a political leader, he should be able to voice his opinion and provide clarity on this important national matter. Others argue that Pesutto’s cautious approach reflects his willingness to carefully consider the complex issues surrounding the Indigenous Voice and make an informed decision.
As the referendum approaches, the Victorian people eagerly await Pesutto’s definitive stance on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. His decision, along with the positions of other political leaders, will significantly impact the outcome of the referendum and the future of Indigenous representation in Australia’s democratic processes.
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