Amanda Vanstone: 'Anthony Albanese Must Be Careful Voice Process Doesn't Stoke Division'

Former Senator and Minister Warns of Pitfalls in Implementing Indigenous Voice

August 18, 2023

Former senator for South Australia and Howard government minister Amanda Vanstone has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to proceed cautiously with the implementation of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, warning that it could stoke division rather than foster reconciliation.

In an interview with The Australian, Vanstone expressed concerns that the Voice could become a "separate parliament" for Indigenous Australians, creating a sense of "us versus them" that would undermine national unity.

She argued that the government should focus on practical measures to address the social and economic disadvantages faced by Indigenous communities, rather than creating new institutions that could potentially exacerbate existing divisions.

"The government needs to be very careful that this process doesn't become divisive," Vanstone said. "We need to find a way to recognize the unique challenges that Indigenous Australians face while also ensuring that we are all working towards the same goal of a better life for everyone."

Vanstone's comments come as the Albanese government prepares to launch a public consultation process on the Voice to Parliament. The Voice is a key plank of the government's Indigenous policy platform, and it aims to give Indigenous Australians a greater say in decisions that affect their lives.

However, the proposal has been met with some resistance from the opposition and from some Indigenous leaders. Critics argue that the Voice is unnecessary and that it could lead to the creation of a separate parliament for Indigenous Australians.

Conclusion

Amanda Vanstone's call for caution serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that the Albanese government must strike as it seeks to implement the Voice to Parliament. The government must find a way to address the legitimate concerns of Indigenous Australians while also ensuring that any new institutions do not further entrench divisions within Australian society. The success of the Voice will depend on its ability to unite Australians in a common cause, rather than dividing them along racial lines.