Victoria's opposition leader will vote against the Indigenous voice to federal parliament, claiming its objectives can be achieved without constitutional change.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
After considering his stance for several months, John Pesutto has decided to vote 'no' when he casts his ballot in the referendum on October 14.
"On the voice itself, I have long adopted a cautious disposition on matters of constitutional amendment," Mr Pesutto said in a statement on Monday.
"In general, I support constitutional change if it is not possible to fulfil the same purpose under our existing constitutional framework.
"Putting aside whether one supports or opposes the voice, I believe the objectives of the voice can be achieved without constitutional change."
Enshrining the voice in the constitution is viewed as essential by 'yes' campaigners to ensure the advisory body cannot be abolished, as was done with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in 2005.
In May, Victorian coalition MPs were given the ability to openly support or oppose the Indigenous voice after shadow cabinet agreed to make its position non-binding.
Mr Pesutto, who is a moderate within the party, said he supported symbolic recognition of First Nations people in the constitution and won't actively campaign against the voice.
"My decision notwithstanding, if the referendum succeeds, I commit to working positively to make the voice a success," the state Liberal leader said.
"If the referendum is not successful, we must all rally to advance the wider cause of reconciliation and unite to close those gaps in life outcomes which, to this day, deny so many First Nations people the dignity and equality of opportunity they deserve."
His stance aligns with federal counterpart Peter Dutton and means every state or territory Liberal leader in the nation has publicly revealed their position, less than six weeks out from polling day.
Northern Territory Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro announced late last month she would vote against the proposal, citing a lack of detail on Territorian representation on the voice.
WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam recently withdrew her support for the 'yes' campaign after initially breaking ranks to back the move, while Queensland Liberal National leader David Crisafulli stated in May he would vote 'no'.
The South Australian Liberals, led by David Speirs, are also opposing the referendum after SA parliament passed its own Indigenous voice without the party's support.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and ACT Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee are the Liberal leaders in the 'yes' camp.
Mr Rockliff, the nation's lone Liberal premier, has previously backed the voice as a different approach to addressing Indigenous disadvantage.
Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia will be key to the fate of the referendum, with a majority 'yes' vote required in at least four of six states for it to be successful.
Australian Associated Press
