During a contentious discussion on the Voice to parliament with broadcaster Ben Fordham, the prime minister declared that the government would not pay reparations to Indigenous Australians and that Australia Day would not be moved.
In a tense half-hour discussion, Fordham stated that slipping polls indicated that The Voice was destined to lose. The 2GB host then asked Anthony Albanese what may happen in several scenarios if The Yes side prevails in the referendum.
“What if the Voice decides we want to modify Australia Day’s date in a year? What is it that you as prime minister say? Fordham enquired.
The reply from Albanese was, “Well, what we say is that we have no plans to change Australia Day… absolutely.”
Fordham then enquired as to whether the Voice could somehow compel future administrations to make up for how Australia was colonised and its effects on Indigenous Australians.
Ben, I can’t put it any more plainly than that,” Albanese replied.
“What people will vote on has nothing to do with compensation.”
Although support for Yes has slowly decreased since the beginning of the year, according to numerous polls, Albanese assured Australians will “focus” when the election day approaches.
The referendum on the Voice to Parliament has not yet been scheduled by Albanese.
Regarding the numerous societal difficulties that Indigenous Australians experience, Albanese remarked, “This is the most disadvantaged group in Australia.”
“The difference in life expectancy is eight years. An Indigenous young boy has a higher risk of ending up in jail than of attending college.
Fordham then enquired as to whether it could be possible for Indigenous people to receive their pensions earlier.
Albanese responded, “Governance will make decisions based upon representation,” adding, “Of course we will” reject ideas that the government does not deem to be effective.
He declared, “The Voice won’t be able to overturn a government decision.”
“Our form of government won’t alter.
“No one will be seated in the cabinet room. Nobody who wasn’t elected will serve in the parliament.
“Therefore, I claim that this is a modest request. Simply taking advantage of the chance to listen.
According to Albanese, Indigenous Australians are mostly worried about the real-world effects of health, education, housing, and incarceration rates.
“We must perform better.”
Albanese was shocked when Fordham inquired as to whether the Voice would have a direct connection to the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Despite being the prime minister, I am unable to address the RBA board directly. Thus, no, Ben.
Fordham fiercely refuted Albanese’s claim that he read his questions from the “no” booklet, which was made public on the Australian Electoral Commission website yesterday.
I’m sorry, Prime Minister. I’m not using the No pamphlet to read this.
Fordham proposed that Albanese “split up” the questions being posed to Australians in order to avoid a referendum defeat and get a “win, win” result.
Fordham asserted that the majority of Australians would support the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians and that any voice to the legislature should be legislated, much like what Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is recommending.
“You might end up with a lose, lose if you continue on this current path and you keep the two tied together,” Fordham said.
Albanese responded that he was “a pragmatic guy” and that many Australians would support the referendum since it was what Indigenous Australians were demanding for.
They desire more than merely the symbolism of acknowledgment. They seek something that will significantly improve their lives on a practical level.
