The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament referendum is on Saturday 14 October.
Two of Logan’s federal members, Bert van Manen and Jim Chalmers, have pitched their cases to MyCityLogan.
Read what they said here:
“No” – Liberal Party Member for Forde, Bert van Manen:
I have been asked by many in our local community what my position is on the question posed in the referendum.
The Coalition’s position on the proposed Voice to Parliament is clear.
We do not want a constitutionally enshrined Canberra-based Voice.
We want to see a legislated, ground-up model of local and regional bodies, representing their own communities and we support constitutional recognition.
I fully endorse this position and will be voting No this referendum.
Prime Minister Albanese has failed to explain even the most basic of elements on the structure of the Voice.
However, what we do know is that it is risky, it is unknown, it will be permanent, but most importantly – it’s divisive.
We are all Australians – permanently enshrining a Voice for only one group of Australians means permanently dividing our country.
It is ok to say No.
Every Australian will have an important decision to make this referendum.
Before casting your vote I encourage you all to read the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ pamphlets which have are being mailed to all households and are also available on the AEC website, by visiting: aec.gov.au/referendums/learn/your-official-referendum-booklet
Similarly, you can read what has been described as the “‘Full’ Uluru Statement from the Heart”, by some commentators – recently released through an FOI request – which, if accurate, provides a roadmap for further potential division.
You can find this at niaa.gov.au/sites/default/files/foi-log/foi-2223-016.pdf.
The referendum will be a significant moment for our nation, as such the dialogue must reflect its standing.
It is important that the debate remains at a tone that is respectful to all sides.
“Yes” – Labor Party Member for Rankin, Jim Chalmers:
The Voice referendum this Saturday October 14 is our big chance and our big opportunity to do something that we can be proud of in our community – for the first of us but in a way that can lift all of us up.
Over the course of the next few days, you’ll hear a lot about what the Voice isn’t about but it’s important to focus on what the Voice really is about when you go to vote.
The Voice is about three things; recognising Indigenous Australians in our constitution, listening and better outcomes.
Over the years, the investments that governments have made in closing the gap have failed to deliver the kind of meaningful outcomes that Australians need and deserve.
In front of us is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get better value for money from our efforts to close the gap, and to leave a better legacy for our jarjums, or our kids.
We need to put an end to just making policy for First Nations people and we need to make policy with First Nations people.
Better listening through the Voice will help to deliver better outcomes in the future.
This week we have a chance to bring our country and our community closer together in the spirit of unity and recognition.
When you’re casting your vote in the Voice referendum this week, please be sure to vote YES for recognition, better listening and better outcomes.
