Derryn Hinch triggers fierce debate with his stance on the Voice referendum

As discussion surrounding the Voice to Parliament referendum intensifies, former politician and broadcaster Derryn Hinch has weighed in with his two cents on how he would like to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese approach the matter.

As the October 14 vote draws news, support for the Voice to Parliament continues to slide with the latest Newspoll from The Australian revealing that approximately 53 per cent of respondents do not support the proposed indigenous advisory committee.

The referendum in which Australians will vote on whether or not the government should amend the constitution and include the landmark advisory committee is scheduled to take place on October 14.

Another poll, from the RedBridge Group, also revealed that those in favour of the historic move are tracking below 40 per cent.

Amid the cacophony of voices dissecting the vote, Hinch has managed to cut through the noise to offer his perspective in a post to Twitter.

“Sadly, it is too late, but I wish Albo had split the Referendum in two,” he wrote.

“I would vote 1000% for strong, deserved, recognition of Australia’s indigenous history in our Constitution. But it is a total NO to enshrining an indigenous lobby group in the Constitution.”

Hinch’s post quickly ignited reactions from both supporters and those opposing the referendum, fuelling the ongoing debate.

What about leaving the country in a better place for ALL Australians before you go, not just white Australians?

— The Silent Lemmings ???? (@LeftofColin) September 11, 2023

Albo is a gambler. He went for an all-or-nothing. His gamble will result in nothing.

— Hani Iskander (@Hani_Iskander) September 11, 2023

If the government actually gave a rat’s about the Aboriginal people, they would implement their culture into our schooling system. They would include their language and history as part of the curriculum. They would invite elders to come and teach us how to survive in the bush and…

— Jane Saunders (@downunderjane) September 11, 2023

Oh Derryn have you not heard the request from First Nations people in the #UluruStatement for recognition in the constitution by #TheVoice voice to parliament ?
How dare you impose your white privileged voice on what has failed for the past 120 years @yes23 @VoiceMakarrata

— Dr Colin Hughes (@drcwhos) September 11, 2023

It is not Albo’s Voice. It is the the model put forward by First Nations people themselves. And it is not a ‘lobby group’. It is merely a requirement to consult a body of First Nations representatives. The form and function will be determined by legislation.

— Dancing Dan (@DancingDanB) September 11, 2023

Gotta say, you’ve got a point.

— scribbler Of Oz ???? #TakeCareOfYourAir ???? (@_marching_Ents_) September 11, 2023

If you are eager to acknowledge the indigenous history of this continent, why are you so keen to stop indigenous Australians from having a say in the future of this continent?

— Some Bloke (@Leahym34Some) September 11, 2023

Hinch isn’t the only well-known figure to throw their hat in the ring on this contentious issue, recently  3AW host Neil Mitchell called on the Prime Minister to “postpone” the vote to avoid further “division”.

“The voice looks beaten unless there is an astonishing surge, it’s beaten in every state except in Tasmania,” he said.

“The latest polls even show Victoria voting against it which is a big change. I think the Prime Minister should call it off. Today might be the last day he can do that but postpone it.

“It would be genuine leadership. Yes, it would be embarrassing but it would be the right thing to do for the country.

“This is my fear if the Voice is beaten, as seems likely, there will be increased division and resentment.

“Delay the vote and sit down with the Opposition and whoever else is necessary to work out a deal. Get recognition of Indigenous people through in the Constitution and find a way to make something like a Voice work in detail.”

The Voice to Parliament is an elected body of First Nations representatives advising the government on the handling of Indigenous issues.

If voted through, The Voice would provide permanent representation and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution.

The Voice will be in place to provide advice to the government and would not deliver services, manage government funding, or mediate between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

It is the first proposal contained within the Uluru Statement from the Heart.