Qantas supports Corporate ‘Yes’ Campaign.
Airline Giant Qantas Supports Indigenous Voice to Parliament Proposal
Airline giant Qantas has made a significant move by joining the Australian “Yes” campaign to support changes to the country’s Constitution. In a show of solidarity, three Qantas aircraft will proudly display the “Yes23” campaign logo, endorsing the Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal. The logo will be featured on a Qantas Boeing 737, QantasLink Dash 8 turboprop, and a Jetstar Airbus A320 leading up to the upcoming October referendum.
The proposed referendum, backed by the federal Labor government, aims to establish an independent advisory body within Parliament and include recognition for Indigenous people in the Constitution’s preamble. Qantas’ support for The Voice aligns with other major companies like Wesfarmers, Woolworths, and Rio Tinto, as well as 14 of the top 20 ASX companies according to a survey by the Australian Financial Review.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce expressed his belief that a formal voice to the government would help address the gap in areas such as health, education, and employment for First Nations people. He also encouraged people to learn more, listen to First Nations voices, and make their own decisions.
Prime Minister Praises Qantas’ Support
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Qantas for their efforts towards reconciliation since the 1960s and praised their decision to support The Voice. He emphasized that by listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on matters that affect them, Australia can improve lives and promote reconciliation.
Other major companies, including Westpac and Coles, have also pledged their support for the Yes vote. Coles has even started printing the “Acknowledgement to Country” on customers’ sales receipts. However, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized these companies for using their financial contributions to gain popularity.
Coalition Split on The Voice
While the Liberals and National parties agree with Labor on recognizing Indigenous people in the Constitution, the Coalition opposes the idea of embedding a permanent Voice advisory body in Parliament. Peter Dutton, however, supports a proposal for “legislated local and regional voices” if the referendum fails.
Despite differing views within the Liberal Party, some members of the Coalition have expressed support for The Voice. New South Wales Opposition Liberal Leader Mark Speakman believes that the potential rewards outweigh the potential risks and that Indigenous people are the most disadvantaged in the nation. On the other hand, Western Australia’s Opposition Liberal Leader Libby Mettam has changed her stance on The Voice after witnessing issues with the state’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act.
Concerns and Parallels
Conservatives have raised concerns about The Voice, drawing parallels between it and Western Australia’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act. Libby Mettam acknowledges the difference in legislation but criticizes the lack of details on the proposed laws. Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Price, an opponent of The Voice and “Welcome to Country” announcements, considers this referendum to be the most divisive in the nation’s history.
Despite the controversy, Qantas’ support for the Yes campaign adds momentum to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament proposal, highlighting the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding constitutional reform in Australia.
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