It would greatly progress the Voice to Parliament debate if the Nationals were prepared to honestly declare their objections to the process. Their current attitude is transparently flimsy and unbelievable.
Their main concern is obviously the fear that the Voice will give Aboriginal people a greater say in land management (all things considered, probably a good idea), more access to sacred sites, and that it would altogether diminish their control of their properties. This would be a particular concern on those properties of a leasehold nature, the mining lobby is obviously also on their side for much the same reason.
But this of course is a complete (possibly intentional) misrepresentation – the Voice is only an advisory body, legislation is still under the control of our elected representatives.
As for Peter Dutton, the time for masterly inaction has long gone. Of course, he is caught between a rock and a hard place, juggling between his electoral chances and possible leadership pressures within his party. His obvious prevarication leaves him splitting the hairs on a nit, convincing none and making him just appear indecisive.
Their choice of Jacinta Price as a spokesperson is also telling as she is obviously the type of person who is habitually disgruntled with the world and will never be satisfied with any suggestion proposed.
