We thank the Chief Minister for bringing this motion to parliament today.
The CLP Opposition has been very clear in its position on a Voice to Federal Parliament. We want the Federal Government to come to the Territory and sit down with Territorians and explain what the Voice is and how it will make our lives better – to date, there has been no engagement with people living in our communities. We want every Territorian to be fully informed on what the advantages and disadvantages of the Voice are before they vote in the referendum later this year.
Today’s motion has clearly come at the direction of Federal Labor, who have to keep telling the Chief Minister how to do her job, just like they told the Chief Minister how to do her job in Alice Springs. We think all Territorians would like to know who is running the Northern Territory. Is it the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister?
The CLP Opposition believes very strongly that a voice to parliament is not for politicians to decide but for the people. This is not a decision for any parliament. It is for the Australian people and that is why later this year every single Territorian, including us, will have one vote.
The CLP Opposition’s position remains the same as it always has been, which is that we are open to the benefits a Voice can bring to Territorians. We do not oppose a voice and, as a result, we will be abstaining from a vote on this motion and look forward to voting in the referendum later this year, along with every other Territorian.
ENDS