MPs in the Northern Victoria region have been asked by North East Media whether they will vote Yes or No in the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. The MPs contacted were Labor Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes; Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad; Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell; Animal Justice Party Member for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell; and One Nation Member for Northern Victoria Rikki-Lee Tyrell. Ms Symes said she'll be voting Yes as "this is the best chance of significantly shifting the dial on delivering better outcomes for First Nations people”. “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," she said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and be proud that we are home to the oldest continuing culture in the world.” Ms Purcell also said she is voting 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.” Ms Broad, Ms Lovell and Mr McCurdy all declined to share how they will vote in the referendum. “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 upcoming 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. Federal MP to vote 'Yes' Helen Haines, the Independent federal MP for Indi was not contacted because she has made it clear in public statements she is supporting the Yes vote. “I believe the Voice to Parliament will have a practical impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Dr Haines said in a speech made in 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.”
