AHEAD of the landmark October 14 referendum on The Voice and constitutional change, the Mansfield Courier sounded out federal and local MPs on how they would vote. We contacted state MLA Cindy McLeish (Liberal, Eildon) and state Upper House members for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes (Labor), Gaelle Broad (Nationals), Wendy Lovell (Libral), Georgie Purcell (Animal Justice Party) and Rikki-Lee Tyrell (One Nation). Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines (IND) is already on record as saying she will vote YES. “I believe the Voice to Parliament will have a practical impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Dr Haines told parliament earlier this year. “I believe that because I’ve seen the results when people are consulted and listened to when it comes to developing and implementing policies that affect their lives.” Ms Broad and Ms Lovell all declined to say how they would vote and Ms McLeish remains undecided. “As we approach the Voice to Parliament referendum on Saturday, October 14, I encourage everyone who will get the opportunity to vote, to consider the different perspectives and make an informed decision,” Ms Broad said. Ms Lovell said the referendum is “a personal and private decision for every Australian voter”. “I have made the decision not to discuss my position publicly as I do not want to be seen as attempting to influence others as to how they should vote,” she said. Ms McLeish said she still genuinely has no idea how she will vote. “I have not decided,” she said. “I waiver every day. I change every day. I don’t have to decide for another month! “I can see merits on both sides.” Although the referendum is historic, Ms McLeish said most people were preoccupied with ordinary day-to-day life amid the rising cost of living. “They have other things on their mind - mainly day-to-day issues,” she said. Ms Symes will vote YES. “This is the best chance of significantly shifting the dial on delivering better outcomes for First Nations people,” she said. “It doesn’t take anything away from non-Indigenous Australians but ensures that government and policy makers consult with, and listen to, the expertise and lived experience of First Nations people on matters that affect them. “It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and be proud that we are home to the oldest continuing culture in the world.” Ms Purcell is another YES. “I believe a Voice to Parliament is an important step towards reconciliation,” she said. “Australia is home to the oldest living continuing culture in the world, and a good government will listen to how the decisions they make impact them before moving forward.” Ms Tyrell was the sole MP to confirm she will vote NO. “All Australians are represented in the constitution, regardless of race, age, gender or orientation,” she said. “I don’t believe that voting for a change to recognise a particular race or orientation is a step in the right direction. “I believe it will only create more division and continue to widen that gap that we all want to see closed among Australians.”
