Clash over ‘bizzare’ MP defection

Nationals leader David Littleproud has hit back over claims his party has been politically damaged by its early opposition to the Voice to Parliament, despite the defection of one of its MPs.

Andrew Gee, the former veterans affairs minister, quit the party just before Christmas last year after the Nationals announced it would not support the referendum.

But Mr Littleproud now claims the new independent broke ranks because of “personality” rather than concerns about the party’s direction.

“I don‘t think Andrew Gee quitting was laid barely at the feet of the Voice. It was a bizarre decision because … well I think you need to dig a little bit deeper rather than scratching the surface,” he told Sky News.

Host Kieran Gilbert hit back, demanding the Nationals leader do just that.

“Just tell us what you’re saying here because you’re alluding to something,” the Sky News host quipped.

“I think you’ll find that Andrew had many issues outside the Voice with the National Party, particularly the NSW National party – and that’s fine,” Mr Littleproud responded.

“Obviously there were personality issues that he felt couldn’t be reconciled, and I respect that he had issues around the floods and the delivery.

“It’s deeper than the Voice because it has always been very clear that … you are able to cross the floor … That culture is important that you have that diversity.”

A vote on the referendum will be held in the second half of the year.

When asked if he would reconsider his position before then, Mr Littleproud responded with a firm “no”.

The Voice, the leader argued, would just add another layer of bureaucracy and do nothing to help close the gap in outcomes for First Nations people.

He said Nationals MPs had experienced failures of indigenous affairs policy first hand in their own electorates, and would have to “live with the consequences” of a successful Voice.

“There is no malice in what the Nationals are doing here,” he said.

“Don’t look down your nose at the Nationals, understand that we come from a different perspective because we actually live it now, and while you might want to put your head on the pillow and close your eyes and think you’ve done the right thing, we’re living with the consequences.

“Get on a plane, get out there and sit in these communities, you don’t need a voice – you actually need politicians that do their job and get the bureaucracy to do what you tell them to do.”

Mr Littleproud also rubbished claims he and Greens senator Lidia Thorpe were on the same side of the argument.

Senator Thorpe has announced she will vote against the Voice, even if it breaks ranks with the Greens’ party room decision, saying she wants treaty before Voice.

Assistant Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said it was “interesting” that Senator Thorpe had made her position clear – going so far as to lead Invasion Day rallies with her anti-voice sentiment on Thursday.

“I find it curious that they think treaty is not occurring,” Senator McCarthy told Sky News.

“Treaty is occurring in each state and territory … in fact, Victoria is actually one of the first … I’m very interested to have a further discussion on that in the senate when we return next month.”