Australian Parliament. Source : Pexels
Federal Member for Calare in NSW has resigned from the National Party over its opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The shadow Minister for Regional Education, Health, and Development, Andrew Gee will sit as an independent, effective immediately.
Mr Gee said, in a Facebook statement, his resignation comes as he fundamentally disagrees with the party’s position on the matter.
“The recent decision by the National Party to oppose the Indigenous Voice to Parliament…has really brought home to me the importance of being able to stand up and be counted.” Mr Gee said.
I can’t reconcile the fact that every Australian will get a free vote on the vitally important issue of the Voice, yet National Party MPs are expected to fall into line behind a party position that I fundamentally disagree with, and vote accordingly in parliament.
“While I respect the views of my colleagues, this just isn’t right.
“…When I believe that our communities are not receiving the support they need at the speed at which they need it, I have to speak out and I can do that most effectively free of the ties of a political party.” He said.
Mr Gee said the decision was a difficult one to make, and that he wishes the Nationals leader well.
The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a move that would see a permanent body sitting in Parliament that would represent Indigenous Australians, helping inform the sitting government on Indigenous policies.
In November, National Party Leader David Littleproud announced the party would not support the move, after consultation with regional communities.
“Unfortunately, we got to a position where we don’t believe this will genuinely close the gap.” Mr Littleproud said.
Mr Gee becoming an independent will not change the balance in the Lower House, however it will create some waves in Federal Parliament to the Nationals 22 seats.
