Voice forums for “yes”, “no” cases to be held

THE campaign for both sides of the argument about the referendum about the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is stepping up in the Geelong region, with the “yes” and “no” camps to hold separate public forums this month.

Supporters of the “yes” case will hold an event titled “Demystifying the Voice’s Myths and Misconceptions” in Torquay on August 24, while supporters of the “no” case will hold a “Voice Community Forum” in Geelong West on August 17.

Surf Coast Votes Yes is hosting “Demystifying the Voice’s Myths and Misconceptions” and says the event will focus on what the Voice is about and debunk the many rumours about what it is not.

Speakers at the event will include two Monash University legal experts; Professor Paula Gerber and senior lecturer Katie O’Bryan.

Surf Coast Votes Yes convenor Hutch Hussein said she was encouraging everyone to attend, regardless of their views on the Voice.

“Whether it’s curiosity or confusion people have regarding the Voice to Parliament, we recognise that people have genuine questions about what this all means for them.

“We are hosting a forum to provide a safe space for people to ask questions and hear from legal experts about the facts regarding the Voice.

“As a group, we’ve been conducting street stalls in the community and while the overwhelming majority of people are supportive, we have been surprised to hear some questions which relate to myths and misconceptions people are hearing via social media and their networks. “This is an opportunity to get the facts, hear directly from legal experts as to what the Voice is about and more importantly what the Voice is not about!”

Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson is hosting the “Voice Community Forum”, which will feature leading “no” campaign advocate Nyunggai Warren Mundine.

“Labor’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament and the Executive is divisive, legally risky, has unknown consequences and would be permanent,” Senator Henderson stated on her Facebook page.

We all want to help indigenous Australians in disadvantaged communities, but the Voice is not the answer. “This is an important opportunity for local residents to learn more about the Albanese Government’s failure, including by [Corio Labor federal member] Richard Marles and [Corangamite Labor federal member] Libby Coker, to be transparent about the Voice proposal which includes plans to deliver a treaty, with the option of seeking reparations or compensation from Australians.”

The referendum on the Voice is expected to be held between October and December this year, but the Albanese Government has not yet set a date.

The “Voice Community Forum” will be held at Geelong West Town Hall, 53 Pakington Street, Geelong West, on Thursday, August 17 from 7.30pm. To RSVP, head to facebook.com/SenatorSarahHenderson

“Demystifying the Voice’s Myths and Misconceptions” will be held at Grant Pavilion, Yallock Crescent, Torquay on August 24 from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. To RSVP, head to https://bit.ly/VoiceMythbusting