12th Sep 2023, 4:44 PM – Representatives Motions - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - Let another vote happen

The majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules of parliament - known as standing orders - in order to let another vote take place (see motion text below).

There was one rebel voter, with Bass MP Bridget Archer (Liberal) voting "No" against the rest of her party.

Motion text

Moved by Dickson MP and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton (Liberal):

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving the following motion—

That this House expresses it's grave concern at this Prime Minister's comprehensive mishandling of the Voice referendum, including:

(1) a failure to explain to the Australian people how the members of the Voice will be appointed or elected, what the consequences will be for government decision making processes, and what the scope of the issues will be on which the Voice will have the power to make representations;

(2) an unwillingness to consult in relation to the words of the constitutional amendment, or to consider limiting the amendment to the issue of constitutional recognition;

(3) the arrogant assumption that the Australian people will be ready to vote in support of the Voice when they have not been given the details of how it will operate and how it will be structured; and

(4) the Prime Minister's actions dividing the country in an unprecedented and reckless way.