The incoming NSW Liberal Party leader has refused to commit to supporting a proposed Indigenous Voice to parliament, signalling a possible shift from the position of former premier Dominic Perrottet.
“That is something on which I won’t be making a captain’s call,” newly elected Liberal leader Mark Speakman told reporters during his first press conference on Friday.
“I’ll be discussing that with members of the shadow ministry at the earliest available opportunity,” he said.
The barrister and former NSW attorney-general declined to share his personal view on the Voice, saying he would have more to say after Liberal MPs talked the position through.
Not supporting the Voice would signify a shift for the NSW Liberal Party, which backed a ‘yes’ vote under Mr Perrottet, who pleaded with his federal colleagues to adopt a positive position on the advisory body.
“Our government supports the Voice, it’s very important to bring people together,” Mr Perrottet told reporters in January.
“We need to be one united country and we don’t need division, we need unity.”
Since the NSW Coalition lost the state election in late March, their federal counterparts have rejected support for the voice. Despite this, some NSW Liberal MPs have continued to back it.
Earlier this month, former deputy Liberal leader Matt Kean shared his support for federal MP Julian Leeser, calling him one of the “best Liberals” and “best people” he knew in a tweet.
The tweet was posted on the same day Mr Leeser announced he would step down from the front bench to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote.
“His integrity, courage and decency make me so proud to call him my friend,” Mr Kean wrote.
Former environment minister James Griffin also signalled he intended to continue supporting the ‘yes’ campaign earlier this month, saying he was proud of the closing the gap measures implemented by Mr Perrottet.
He also supported Mr Perrottet’s decision to sign a statement of intent to support the voice alongside his national cabinet colleagues.
The country’s single remaining Liberal premier, Jeremy Rockliff, supports the voice.
In Victoria, the opposition are still deciding their position on the voice, while WA Nationals Leader Shane Love supports a ‘yes’ vote.
-AAP
