Commentary
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, together with all the state and territory premiers have officially backed an Indigenous “voice” to parliament, to advise parliament and the federal government on policy matters. He says it is a priority for his government to secure this successful constitutional referendum in the second half of this year.
In past referenda, federal governments fostered debate by providing pamphlets giving the official cases for and against the proposed changes. At this time, however, debate is being stifled by implying that anyone having a concern for such a proposal might be a racist.
According to Labor Senator Pat Dodson, who is the prime minister’s special envoy for the implementation of the Indigenous voice: “The government is not interested in supporting any racist campaigns, which will have an impact on the question of the pamphlet.”…