Julian Leeser quits Liberal frontbench over Voice to parliament

Leeser, who is also the shadow attorney-general, revealed today he has quit the shadow cabinet to campaign for a yes vote on the Voice.

It comes after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed the Liberal Party would oppose the Indigenous Voice to parliament at the referendum later this year.

Liberal frontbenchers are required to follow the decisions of the party room but backbenchers are free to vote on issues as they see fit.

Leeser’s full statement is as follows:

”Almost ten years ago, I sat down with a small group of constitutional conservatives and Indigenous leaders and worked on a proposal for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Leeser said.

“The idea we developed was different, it was organic, it was consistent with our constitutional heritage, and it was a uniquely Australian idea designed for Australian conditions.

“The proposal was called the Voice.

“It was about creating a new structure to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians – and it was about finding common ground.

“Over the past year I have had many respectful discussions with my parliamentary colleagues about the Voice. I have listened to their views and they have heard mine, but ultimately I have not been able to persuade them.

“Our tradition in the Liberal Party is grounded in a belief in conscience and freedom.

“While Shadow Ministers are bound by the decisions of the Shadow Cabinet and the Party Room, backbenchers are free to vote on every piece of legislation according to their own conscience.

“Unlike almost any other party in the parliament, the Liberal Party gives backbenchers the freedom to champion the ideas they believe in.

“Because I intend to campaign for a yes vote I have resigned from the Shadow Ministry.

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“I want to assure you that I remain a proud Liberal committed to my party, the people of Berowra, and the leadership of Peter Dutton.

“My resignation as a frontbencher is not about personality, it’s about keeping faith with an issue that I have been working on for almost a decade.

“I’ve also tried to keep faith with my Liberal values. My desire to conserve our institutions like the Australian Constitution with my desire to seek better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

“As a Liberal I believe in the dignity of every Australian – in what can be achieved when they are affirmed, valued, and empowered. I believe that better policy is made when the very people affected by it are consulted on it.

“I will in the weeks ahead be arguing for the changes to the referendum wording that I detailed in my National Press Club address last Monday.

“The Press Club model for the Voice – is constitutionally sound, gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians a place in our founding document, and recognises the supremacy of Parliament in our constitutional system. It improves the model put forward by the government and its Referendum Working Group.

“This will also improve its chances for success at the ballot box.

“I acknowledge the support and good grace of Peter Dutton throughout the process and the faith he has shown in me.

“As Shadow Minister I have traveled with Peter and seen him listen to and engage with Indigenous leaders and Indigenous people in the community. I know he has a genuine desire to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

“However, on the Voice Referendum we find ourselves in different places. People of goodwill can disagree.

“Importantly, this referendum is not about politicians. At a referendum the Australian people, not the parliamentarians, get to decide the issue. One Saturday later this year you will be asked to go to the ballot box and have your say on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

“In Australia, changing the Constitution is your choice – every Australian’s choice.”