We are famously contrary whenever we are told by politicians and community “leaders” what we ought to think.
Does anyone who watches the ABC have any doubt that it is barracking for Yes (notwithstanding its charter obligation of political neutrality)? I suspect one of the very reasons support for Yes is sinking is because Australians don’t like having the establishment force its view down our throats. Yet so far, virtually all we have had from the political establishment and its surrogates in business, sporting organisations, public broadcasters, churches and NGOs has been advocacy for the Yes case.
If this is to be an authentic national debate, both sides must be heard. Third, at least pretend the debate is a level playing field. Burney captured the morally hectoring tone of the Yes campaign last week when she channelled not Clinton this time, but Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high.” People who are sceptical about the Voice are not taking the low road they are merely exhibiting the same constitutional conservatism which has seen 36 of 44 referenda fail. It is not about whose motives are purer or who is a better person. The wisdom of constitutional change is something about which reasonable people can differ. Voice advocates Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and activist Noel Pearson.
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